Teenagers: Should you Get a Job or Go to College after High School Graduation?

You've graduated from high school, after years of working toward this accomplishment. You would like nothing better than to kick up your heels and chill out for as long as you can - at least in theory! You have decisions to make - decisions that will affect the rest of your life. Should you continue your education or should you get a job?

Let's look at both options. If you are an average or below average scholar, you might be tempted to get yourself a job. A job means money and look at all the things you can do with money. But, is having quick cash your only goal? Where do you start looking for a job fresh out of high school? You have few qualifications, at least on paper, that will land you a job outside of McDonald's, unless you have connections or are very lucky.

That first paycheck makes it tempting to continue working and forget about continuing your education - that is, until you get out on your own. Your paycheck will go for rent, utilities, gas, food, clothing and all the other things that keeps a household going and allows you to get to work. There isn't a lot left over, unless you have a high-paying job. You could even go in the hole!

If you have a natural ability, you may be able to draw upon that. For example...if you like to work with animals, maybe you could apply at a veterinarian's office. You could see the ins and outs before deciding to study to be a veterinarian.

If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, you may be able to get an entry job at a lawyer's office. You may even have to do volunteer work during the summer, for the field you are interested in, before getting a paid job.

If you excelled in high school, it would be in your best interest, long-term, to further your education. You can then become whatever you want and invest in your future more effectively. Even those who didn't do so well in high school, often do quite well in college.

You may or may not have an idea of what you want to be. That's ok! Many people don't have an idea, but they take the basic courses in college to get a feel of what's available and then decide.

When trying to decide between getting a job or furthering your education, think about your options. Are your parents willing to let you stay at home or have they strongly suggested you get out on your own? If you get out on your own, you may have no choice but to work. It's still possible to further your education. You might have to take night classes or take longer to get a degree, but you will be working toward a great accomplishment and independence.

Often high-school graduates get a summer job. This can be helpful to allow you to see what goes on in the work world while deciding if you want to go to college. But, some people get stuck in a rut, of liking the paycheck and letting the idea of furthering their education, go.

Whether you decide to get a job or further your education or both, it should be carefully thought out. It's a personal choice, but your options should be weighed out -- not just for the here and now, but for your future.

A high school diploma is a great achievement. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a lot of clout when trying to apply for a high-paying job. Let's face it - to aspire beyond a minimum-wage job, you will more than likely need a higher education.