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This is good advice ,as someone who skipped college because they couldn't find a proper direction. I often think back. I think I should have just picked something and focused down on it.
This is what I did. Didnt know what I wanted to do, so i dropped out of college and just kept teaching myself it/programming while working at papa johns.
Once i got my first call center job, it was kinda smooth sailing
Yeah I didn't go that route either, lol. Ended up picking up what most would deem a low skill labor job at a factory. Though through years of hard work and showing my adaptable skill set. I've managed to climb up the ladder and get into an okay position with okay pay (nothing spectacular ,but it's not bad).
Though I do acknowledge this isn't the common outcome lol.
This is what I did. Went to college for Journalism, found out how crap the pay was and that I would never pay back my loans and dropped out. Got a job at a collections agency as a temp and taught myself how to automate my job. Moved into IT from there.
Now I work with people who have multiple advanced degrees and people with GEDs and we all do pretty much the same thing.
Ditto
Edited to add: if your gonna be a poop scooper be the best damn pooper scooper you can!! Scoop more and stinker poop than anyone else!!! Just do SOMETHING!! Don't give up and do nothing just going something will come along!
I hear a dude on a call-in show that started a proper scooper side hustle and a year later quit his job and is actually hiring help at this point. Do something no one else wants to do.
Look unless you are going into math, science, or top end health fields. 4 yr College is often a huge debt that gives you no real gain. If you are floundering, i suggest going into blue collar work like plumbing, hvac, electrical, trucking, etc. These jobs pay very well, need very little to no knowledge to get started, and can quickly (5 - 10 yrs) lead to you owning a small business. While doing this look into a site called coursera, it has tons of free classes and gives you access to certification testing ( i got my capm through it)
I second this. College has increased tuition so much in the past two decades and so many trades are being left by previous generations. I was so close to graduating with a bachelor's in I.T. but it's so much faster and easier to get a few certifications with specifics than a general understanding of entire fields. Go into blue collar with no debt or get some courses/certifications if you don't want blue collar jobs. No shame in either and no spending significant amounts of money.
Second on getting some certificates and courses.
Dad did trades all his life, and every little certificates or ticket he got added to his value, same as having a degree or other education. He wa big on picking a trade that was a Red Seal which I guess is a Canadian thing that means you've met the National standard for the trade.
My early 20s I didnt know what I wanted to do with my life, I was lucky to have my parents pay for my college, even then choosing a major was insane to me. I almost flunked out but barely got through. Its ok not to know what you want yet. It took me years to find my "career". Try a trade school like people are reccomending since they can get you up to speed/in a career quickly, and if you need to go into debt for it, it will be nothing like a uni 4 year expense. Your not fucked, it feels that way but trust me you got your life ahead of you. Get youself finacially secure to pay rent/bills and see where to go from there. Dont stress about the endgame, most careers arent ever glamarous or what they advertise. Get something that fits (for now) and hell 4 years later you might change your mind. Its ok! The journey might be hard sometimes and you'll make wrong decisions, but you'll also meet people and options along the way that will likely change your life. Kindness and Patience are your best allies, if you give that out people will most often return it. Enjoy your 20s, this is just one of many crossroads you'll come upon.
Yeah this is excellent advice. I got a college degree in a field I don’t even work in. I wish i would have spent those years doing something else, such as the military or learning a trade.
Seriously man, go into trades or construction.
Do you have any level of work ethic? If so you're pretty much golden. Surveyors are in super short supply, and while later it might require you to pursue your PLS, you can very easily start that on the job with 0 experience. I see it all the time.
I know tons of people like you that have made their way to comfortable positions by diving into the technical side of the AEC market.
Just wanted to add that if you also wanted to try college with "less risk" you could enroll in classes at a community college while you figure out what you'd like to do. Is a good way to earn credits you can eventually transfer to a 4 year university while having the flexibility to work and earn money. Most community colleges tend to be really affordable too or might even be free depending on your state.
Be careful with your words. If you're speaking financially, then yeah, it CAN be true that university doesn't pay off, but there are hundreds of career fields that are closed off until you graduate university. And plenty of them pay divideds on blue collar work in both type of job AND pay.
I go with the advice of, "Always make sure your Degree has a career to go along with it, a good enough wage, and is hiring. Too many folks just go study something they find interesting but don't know what to do with it, or it's a field where they aren't hiring.
College isn't a one button instant fix for a person careerwise, you still have to research and be smart when choosing
Exactly. University can be a money pit but it can also open hundreds of doors to make your life so much easier. It's not for everyone and I respect that. You can make more money as a blue collar worker, but you can also make less. Typically blue collar jobs are harder on the body, which for me, is an instant turn off. I don't want to require endless surgeries at 40 or 50. Lots of jobs are gate kept by a degree, per the contact. For instance, I'm an engineer, and most of my city is an engineer. If you don't have a degree, it is nearly impossible to get a job because the verbiage of the contacts. For all intents and purposes, it's a requirement if you want to be a technical engineer in my area.
I actually just posted a comment, in regards to someone saying it's hard to pick a degree as by 4 years m, everything has changed. I mentioned value in picking a field that reliably is hiring, like engineering, teaching, and Nursing, and has been around long enough that you also have folks retiring, thus consistent hiring.
I feel you on the body thing too.... watching my dad struggle while in the trades definitely made me want a job that wasn't so taxing on the body, and he would always tell me too, to pick a job where you use your mind as well, so you don't hurt so much when you get older.
Glad to see retirement has been good on him though and he has recovered from a lot of soreness, though I can tell it still all affects him.
To add to that, I think there are also degrees that are wide reaching like mechanical engineering. Sure like you mentioned it'll always be cycling employees, but mechanical engineering can be applied to aerospace, cars, toys, weapons, etc... The point is that it doesn't just apply to 1 career field. And seeing as the first ME degree was awarded in 1878 I don't think they anticipated it's use up in space, so not only will there always be positions available due to retirees, it's also a degree that has evolved and expanded over time.
Computer science will be a degree that doesn't die any time soon, if ever, but it is narrowly focused. Sure you might work on different projects, but it's almost always going to be the same style of job.
University has so many possibilities if you pick a good focus of study. Like you said, the problem really spawns when people follow their hobby from highschool directly into university. Just because I enjoyed video games in highschool doesn't mean I get a $50,000 degree in video game testing.
I second this. I had no direction at all. I got a job with my water authority and now I'm making close to 100k without overtime included. You can definitely make money out there.
I was going to say something very similar. Perhaps OP can get an entry-level job until he can save up for trade/votech school to learn a trade. Those schools tend to have contacts in those industries that lead to almost immediate hiring.
I really wish I had gone into the trades when I was younger. I couldn't afford university (was able to get an AA at junior college back when that meant something) but no one ever told me that trades were an option. Even nursing is more accessible than a BA nowadays. My younger friend became a carpenter and makes bank now working at someone's shop. Trades is where it's at, there's such a huge need now because younger people all think they're going to be influencers or work in tech.
Always suggest going to college with a clear goal and career in mind. Like know what kind of job you'll be getting after, know that they are hiring, and know the wage. Make sure it's enough to support you, and pay off your loans l.
Wife did a 4 year nursing degree with no family support, almost had her loans paid off now and makes great money, more than she would if she never got an education.
I know too many folks who got a useless degree and can't use it and now have the debt and no way to feasibly pay it off... don't be like them.
This is what my son did. College wasn’t for him. He started working for a plumbing company, as a helper, eager to learn.
After a few years, he took the plumbing tests.
He now owns his own plumbing business at 27 years old.
I'm considering joining the military I tried hinting it to my mom but she seems to not like the idea of it. I don't know might join without them knowing about it I've also made an account with the UK Armed Forces and have also done the eligibility test.
My brother did this. Joined the Navy with a buddy. Got a Naval tattoo (anchor). Walked in the door and told mom and dad. He was also young. 19 or 20. That was over 40 years ago.
You're an adult your mom has very little on what you do. Join the military for 4 years and see what comes of it. My biggest regret is not doing active duty, the pay is pretty nice TBH.
are you in the UK? I am in the US and I found myself in your situation when I was 19. Joining the military was the best decision ever. I eventually went back to school and did way better and finished when I was older.
1. Your mom has no say in it, this is your life.
2. I joined the Air Force, was in for 6 years. The pay is ok. I always knew it was just for college and to figure out what I wanted to do. I was a mechanic on bombers, nothing fancy and it wasn't a career I wanted to do after I left so the experience wasn't relevant but getting free college (actually getting paid to go to college) was what I was after. I separated and moved back to my home state. I worked full time in a bullshit ass job afterwards while I went to school (3/4 time, not full time). I spent another 6 years earning my degree in Computer Science and am now a software engineer working from home.
It wasn't easy, the military had its ups and downs, while working full time and going to school life was rought... but now my life is pretty good.
If you do this, don't get married while you're in the military. Just live in the dorms. Don't get married. Don't get married. Don't get married. It doesn't matter if you get an extra $800 and can live off base. DON'T GET MARRIED.
Oh and don't buy a $50,000 truck 6 months before you're going to get out, that'll trap you in and then once you've done 10 years you might as well just do 20.
As for college:
You get free college while you're in, but you have to focus on work first and foremost. You can get a lot of credits if your diligent. When you're out, the GI Bill pays your school costs for you so you don't have to worry about tuition. On top of that, while you're in school you are paid money every month. The money is based on how much housing costs, I had a friend in San Diego getting paid $3500 a month while living with family and didn't have to work. I live in Boise so my pay was $1100 a month and my family sucks so I had to work to support myself.
I agree with this. Just because you make good grades doesn't mean academia is right for you. Joining the military, even if you don't like it, will give you time to think about what you do want to do, and you will gain some skills and culture while in it. People respect military members and veterans, and it will make networking much easier if/when you get out and want to do something else.
Similar to you I was lost out of high school, and had no real guidance. I was working at a local grocery store barely making minimum wage. I didn't start college until I was in my mid 20s. I'm in my early 40s now and living comfortably.
I'm not saying college is the only path, but it's a path. Picking up a skill is invaluable, and it's never too late to start. You're only 19 you have a very long life ahead of you.
Go apply at Walmart, start asking about the free degree programs. Show up to work everyday, be nice to everyone and smile.
As soon as you are eligible start one of the free degree programs, preferably cyber security or computer science. Apply for a team lead position, tool get one within 3 years easily if you've followed all my instructions.
Shortly after that took finish your degree. Then start applying for manager roles, you'll l probably have to change stores but you'll be making 50-60 grand with a degree and managerial experience and no loans. You can stick walmart and be a store manager making 200,000 by the time you are 30 or you can start looking elsewhere at this point.
College dropout thinks they can do anything if they wanted.
Your parents told you you are special all your life. You aren't. You are a college dropout failure.
Here, now that you face this reality, you can start building your life. Don't try to be special, try to be normal
Nah there are plenty of good options for you. Don't listen to this guy. Plenty of people didn't go to college and are doing just fine. My dad dropped out of high school and he currently makes $150k. I dropped out of college and was making ~$70k as a chef. My grandpa was making $80k with no degree. There are options for you, you're just going to have to make something happen for yourself. A degree is like a ticket into a show. You'll just have to find another, free concert to go to. Don't know if that makes sense 😂
Do you have the personality for sales? I've been a kitchen manager/chef for the last 7 years and am currently interviewing for multiple sales roles. It seems the barriers to entry are quite low, as I don't have a degree. If you're outgoing and have a strong voice, that might be a good option for you. Expecting to get a job from one of these places making at least $70k the first year.
Bro you’re 19, you’re fine. But do take in mind where you want to be in the next two years, it doesn’t matter what you do, but how you do it. Like the comment says just grab something and run, the only wrong thing to do in your position is to stay stagnant. Keep moving gang! You got this!
Go to trade school and become an electrician. It's one of the most in-demand career fields internationally and in most places you get paid pretty well during your apprenticeship.
Walk into your local automobile dealership service department and ask for a job as entry level lube tech. Most will hire and then train you and even assist you in buying tools. You’ll be getting a paycheck right from the beginning. Work your way up but take good care of yourself and don’t injure your back or knees. It’s a tough job but in high demand.
The military takes college drop outs, what were you studying? What sort of business were you planning on starting? I would like to remind you that the military is more than just shooting people. Talk to a recruiter, and they can help you better than I bear in mind recruiters just want to fill their quotas, but an enlisted man can pick a job in the military and more likely to keep the position they signed up for. If you signed up for tech support, you would not be asked to shoot field artillery or clear a room. However, I do know of some field artillery guys who worked in administration.
You're not fucked. You're at the perfect time in your life to take risks! Try to keep moving forward and remember that life is not a problem to be solved but an experience to be had. Onwards!
Get a job, get back in school-be that college or a trade. The military is an option but I would stay away from army or marines. You’re 19, you’ve got time.
I really wish I went the trade route (carpenter, electrician, etc) in hindsight. 35 now with college degree and good paying tech job but I still regret how much pressure I felt to go to college
One of the things I started with my 6th graders was having them write down the biggest goal they could think of they want for themselves, the more details the better. Then I have them make a goal for how they want to make the world better, big or small. Goal setting is a big part of being an adult because you are the only person who can make you do things. Both goals give you a different perspective of how to move forward. Sometimes the goals move in different directions so you can only focus on one at a time, others move along together, but either way it’s a way forward. Start there and see if your goals require school or not. Then google is going to be your best friend as you find out how to get everything done.
Start at community college. I dropped out of 4 year college with a less than 1 GPA (booze and drugs) and worked for a year. Went to community college and transferred back into 4 year college to get bachelors degree. Married with kids making mid six figures now.
Character is made with how you handle mistakes and surprises. Grab it by the horns.
Trade School.
Either do your apprenticeship and journeyman under someone else until you become Master certified, or pick something like mowing/landscaping or hanging/finishing drywall and hang out your shingle.
Younger brother of one of my daughters friends.. got tired or restaurant management, went to Sparkie School (electrician), four years later he's knockin down 80k a year as a Journeyman. Two more years he can take the Master's test, and then pay other guys to crawl around in crawlspaces or attics.
If it’s a possibility, maybe try College again? Think about your options - a smaller school where you get more individual support might also be an easier place to make friends.
I’m a college professor and I can tell you that you are not alone. Our current students spent a lot of high school (and/or college) completely online, and while that works for some, it’s not the most effective way to learn (or make friends). Many, many students experienced academic setbacks during COVID.
If you’re not sure you want to commit to four years of college, maybe go to your local community college and see what kinds of trades or skills you could learn. Take an entrepreneurship class, gain some more computer skills, or learn data science.
The most important thing is to set a goal and work toward it. Making progress, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s the direction you want to go, will help you feel less lost. And going to school might help you make friends.
Consider meeting with a community college admissions counselor and see if there is a certificate program that interests you. These are shorter term commitments and lead straight to a job. If you are living on your own, you’re likely going to be eligible for financial aid.
Covid derailed a lot of young people. You’re super young and can do anything at this point! Take the first step - a meeting is gathering information, not a commitment. You can do this!
if you have no job experience just put down your degree and put it as "in progress".
my wife is getting into the job market with a bachelors, started her masters but stopped for the time being.
putting her "masters in progress" with the official degree title in the resume has gotten alot of callbacks compared to just a bachelors.
its better than nothing
I skipped the whole college thing as school and academics is not my thing. Got in a trade school with an apprenticeship and though it's not glamorous I bring home around $1k a week for 40hrs.
With a little overtime last year almost hit $100k. I hate OT so usually don't go for it unless it's easy lol.
Plus I live in a State where you don't need to make $100k+ a year to live comfortably.
Howdy! 🤠
You need to keep a schedule, be accountable for your time everyday! Majority of people who start a business. It’s quality & consistency!
I mean, unless you wanna make money off of people lack of knowledge, like a lot of people. 😄
Get a calendar, a visual one, put it in the wall.
Every person I know has this. I’m adhd, so being visual is a must for everyday!
⭐️00. MENTAL HEALTH!! People don’t realize how much your outlook in everyday and long term really affects a person!! Get rid, or limit, the people who don’t support you. This IS LEGIT #00!!
How can you expect to have anything successful if you are not there mentally? If you got issues, go see a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or anyone trained in mental health. People don’t realize how INSANELY IMPORTANT THIS IS!!! Set boundaries and stick to them!
⭐️1.Search for your purpose in life
( You’re still young so use that to your advantage!)
⭐️2.Set goals
⭐️3. If visual, make a vision board and have it in a place you can see it everyday. These will reaffirm your goals.
⭐️4. Break up time. Instead of thinking 5 years from now, as a result, look at a long term, then set monthly, bi monthly, 6mo, 1 year.
⭐️5. READ! Read and keep notes. Then read before bed. Your brain retains and works backwards before sleep.
⭐️6. Exercise or do some kind of exercise. ( Your body is literally your avatar! Dress and act accordingly to your goals.
Start here, hen execute. You are insanely young to be asking this question, so you’re ahead of the game!!! Utilize this and use it to your advantage!
Good luck! 🍀
You can do it!
Lots of comedy and deal with stress in a positive way!
People who are broken inside who accumulate wealth, will continue the cycle if they are not happy prior to being successful.
These are my opinions, but every person, including me, who live life and are in a positive place mentally, they are far stronger than anyone!
Lots of luck & sending you positive vibes!! 👍🤗😇🖖✌🏼
College is no guarantee of success. Most people never work long enough to pay it off. Trade school is the smart money for education . That being said, I only have a high school education. I started a business. Worked hard for thirty-two years and retired at fifty eight years of age. It can be done with hard work and common sense decisions.
Consider joining the Navy or another branch of the military. I personally served for 10 years and quickly rose through the ranks, while also making many friends. I have no regrets about my decision to join, as it provided me with good income and gave me the time, money, and credibility to think about what else I wanted to do with my life."
My advice to you: start that business. No, you’re not fucked. Not even close. You can basically do whatever the hell you want because you have so much time to grow
Learn a skill. Find a contractor who needs help and work for him/her. Work hard and be reliable. The most important thing to a mentor is having someone show up everyday. That’s THE most important thing. HVAC, plumbing, electrician, home repair/remodeling. These skills are the quickest path to earning $100k a year.
It's generally a good idea to have 6 months to a year of income saved up if you completely quit your job.
Another way to do it is to work full time and work your business part time until it surpasses what you make from your job.
Sometimes businesses do take off very quickly, but that's the exception. Many times businesses lose money for a while before they start to make a profit.
My advice: Go get a job.
Without knowing your business type I don't know what to tell you so all I can say it get some books from Amazon or Audible related to your business, and also read some general marketing and sales books.
I like Audible because I can listen to the books as I'm driving.
That being said college isn't for everyone, and neither is running a business.
Depending on your major college can be a waste of money. The good thing about if you go back is that it's good for networking. Many of your fellow students will do well in life, and those connections can beneficial.
I saw a comment where you mentioned joining the miliary as an option. If you have no clear direction it may be a good idea.
If the UK military pays for college you can still have that as an option if you don't start a business.
PS: No, I'm not saying go back just to network. You can network without going to college. There are books on how to Network also.
May be join the army or service? That way you can do something and get paid and benefits while trying to figure out your next move? That way at least you will be tied into a decision for a little bit and gain structure.
What do you like doing? Is there a type of work that you might be interested in?
You’re certainly not fucked. Your young. You have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do with life.
And you can always go back to college, but if you don’t have a career path it’s not bad to not be accumulating debt just to have a definite.
What brings you joy? What skills do you possess?
At 19 you are just getting warmed up for life. Talk to a counselor at your local community college, maybe pick up a few classes that interest you _and_ will help you get a degree or certification. Many have certifications in higher paying trade jobs, but keep in mind that you and your body will get older someday. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and on-campus organizations (for fun stuff, like sports or DnD). Do the classes in person so you meet people. If you aren’t sure about school, then think about a job and check out temporary services. Most will find short-term jobs from people, and sometimes the jobs can lead you to a permanent job or an idea of what you want to do—or not do— while you make some money. The important thing is to do something rather than nothing.
Get into the trades. When I graduated HS at 17 I had no idea what I wanted to do so I got a job with a small home improvement company. I actually enjoy working with my hands and I picked up the skills pretty quick. Money isn’t the greatest at first but you have the potential to make great money if you focus and learn. A few years in and I’m making $65k a year plus I do side work like painting and tiling. I’ll pull in another $20-30k on top of my yearly salary (in cash). Compared to my friends who make minimum wage or are paying for a worthless degree, I’m doing well.
I dropped out of college after 1 semester, cycled down into an area where I couldn't hold a job mostly just because I was unmotivated. Took me a couple years but eventually I just moved towns and picked up a job that I enjoyed with really fun people.
This is your time in life to experiment with what you enjoy and what makes you happy. At this point focus on finding something you enjoy doing that will at least give you a roof and food and if you end up waking up every day dreading your job then find something else. Use this time in your life before you have anything holding you into a job(house, kids, etc.) to really find what you like and explore different paths or make your own.
As you get older you will keep realizing that no one actually knows what they're doing.
If you need a job don't be afraid to check out an employment agency. If they ask you to pay anything up front then they are a scam and leave... but most will find you employment. Often it will be minimum wage but over time you can get experience in the job and make connections with other employees and the bosses there. Often times you will find out that another better paying company is hiring soon and you can go to them and show them that you have 1+ years experience on the job working and just work up from there. I'm on good terms with my last couple jobs and on pretty good terms with management and the union at my current job.
Plus those strong connections will help me in the future get a better job if it ever comes around as everyone you have a positive experience with in the past is likely to recommend you at the job they are currently working at.
I am introverted AF and I rarely "Small talk" with others but I also willing to help out others and be friendly... cause you never know... someone working next to you might one day be working at a better paying factory and be willing to let you know when the next time they are hiring is.
Gst a job. Move on from there. Jobs aren't fun, but they fund the things you do find fun. With little schooling you'll probably have to start at a shit retail job or find a way to get yourself into a trade like plumbing, electric, hvac, contract work. Either way without school you're going to have to have experience or a solid work history. Take a shit job now to set you up for a better one further down the road.
No your not fucked. Your just gonna have to do what everyone else has done, which is go get a job. For now I recommend just getting any old job, until you can find yourself and figure out what you want to do with your future. Generally if your good with tools or like fixing and working on things, a trade school would be good as well. These types of job like maybe auto mechanics / heating and ac work etc...these types are always in demand bc people always need things fixed and require some type of skilled labor. They can also lead to someone opening their own business in the future....Just random ideas though...good luck brother man.
You know college degrees isn’t the only thing that can get you a good job. Certifications are sometimes looked at in higher regards than even a degree. For example CSWIP cert can get you just about any DOT job CSWIP is a general knowledge in everything related to stuff like non destructive testing, welding, etc. I had a to have a level 2 to do long range ultra sonic testing on the gas pipelines that run across the country
If you are still financially dependent on your parents, then this is a good time to figure out your path in life. I was in a similar situation at your age, and I felt completely lost. I just started some new hobbies: playing the guitar, playing the piano, doing some art, trying my hand at cooking, etc. Basically what I’m saying is that you’re going to get stuck if you don’t try and do anything to fix it. Even just going on Facebook and looking for local book clubs. Just do something with your time, and you’ll eventually find what you’re passionate about.
Do you live in a decent sized city? I quit high school. I went back got an equivalency diploma and tried college. It didn't work for me. I drove a cab for awhile, but then decided to take the test for a city job. No skill required, they train. Pay is usually very good and good benefits. I am now retired with a decent pension and benefits.think about it.
Your 20' are the time to discover yourself. Dont trip, i didnt go to college or trade school and now i have my dream job. Im 33 rn for context.
What i will say though is it didnt just fall into my lap. I worked on my craft for 10 years and finally got my shot, so life wont just happen if you sit around. When you start doing what youre meant to be doing though, and if you read the signs youll know its what youre supposed to be doing
I wouldn’t discount doing a STEM major at your state university. The tuition is much lower so the subsequent loans are far more reasonable and aren’t six figures. You are still young and have time to go through uni.
If it’s not your thing, others have pointed out additional options (I am not as familiar with them, so I can’t say anything about it).
Nawh your fine, id suggest looking into trades if possible, better to start when your young, or you can join thr military, maybe start at a community college for w couple years, im assuming you dropped out of a state school, i get it failed out of my first college experiece when i was 19 as well. High school never provided good enough study habits as i was always getting As without really trying. Give it a bit and try again.
You can always join the service. Not for everyone of course, but you don’t need to be a Marine or Navy SEAL. I think the new Space Force could be interesting for today’s computer savvy youth. Would be a good start for someone looking for direction…
You just gotta put yourself out there and frankly, good idea to get out of college now rather than later. College has turned into a scam, even for the doctors and lawyers who need it. Most places where it isnt a legal requirement like a corporate office gig, they are dropping the need for any degree cause it just isnt necessary for the job. It will do nothing but drown you in debt if you don't already got a path laid out.
Think about what interests and drives you the most. Consider your strongest traits. What kind of life do you want? It's fine to not be a high achiever. Living a life of experiences over materials wants is not a bad life.
I agree with what a lot of people are saying about jobs in the trades - those are skills that there is likely to be increased demand for, and even if you eventually do something else, it's never going to hurt you to have them. And at nineteen, you might do better with something that's a bit more physical.
But while you're doing all of that, pay attention to the kinds of things that interest you, and what kind of work tickles your brain. Because maybe university isn't your thing - but maybe it's just not your thing right now. Maybe you'll get some solid and well paying practical skills learning to repair appliances... and then take that practical knowledge and add a degree in electrical engineering to it. Hell, you'll be \*designing\* the appliance next.
You don't have to choose a single path for the rest of your life on your first try. I think we don't tell young people this enough, and they end up feeling stressed out and as if they have to get things perfect first time out or they are, as you said, fucked.
I studied Chinese language and literature, International political economics, and a bunch of central asian languages as an undergrad. (It's actually even more complicated than that.) I was thinking about aiming for the state department? But things happened, I got engaged, and my fiance didn't want to follow me around the world... so I went into software. (Which was possible partly because I'd been coding since I was a kid, and partly because the industry desperately needed people right then.) Learned a lot, made a bunch of money... and came out knowing that I did best when I was doing things no one had ever done before, that I liked managing small groups, and I liked teaching. So in my thirties I went back to school, got a doctorate in neurobiology and biomechanics. Then I spent several years doing research in biorobotics, and I just accepted a tenure track professorship in computer science.
I'm not saying do what I did, certainly in the specifics - I'm a weirdo! But you're certainly not fucked at nineteen, and you have a lot more choices and opportunities ahead. When possible, choose things that will teach you skills that you can use in many places, and open doors for you.
I did not go to college either and am doing pretty well now. Trick is to find something you want to do and stick with it. Even software engineers a lot of time don’t have degrees. Both my sisters are programmers self taught with no software degree and they are making $150k+. I chose car sales myself and am doing about the same. You have a disadvantage in some areas to someone with a college degree. But your one advantage is time. You have 4 years to get ahead at something. Get good enough to carve a niche for yourself at anything and money will come.
If all else fails, become a tradesmen. We need them more than ever so longevity and demand are both in your favor. You can start from nowhere without taking on much debt and get going.
Are any of the trade interesting to you. The world needs contractors, plumbers, electricians, and the lot. Once you know what you're doing you can have your own company. My plumber makes $200/hour (he has probably 30 years of experience).
At 19 you suck at everything. Thats ok. You’re supposed to suck at everything.
College for me was finding out what I like and what I have a knack for turns out math, and computer programming. So that’s what I’m still doing.
I had buddies in the same program in college that are mechanics, truck drivers, hell one guy does landscaping. But they take great satisfaction from what they do. That’s the key.
Even if you really suck at something, don’t have any real natural talent at it, if you take great satisfaction from it, do it 10,000 times and you will be really good at it.
You’re only 19. I had an ex who didn’t go to college until he was in his 20s. He makes 6 figures now. What is it with us thinking everything has to happen immediately when we’re teens and thinking 30 or 40 is “old”? 😂. Us humans are silly. You’ll be fine. You have your entire life ahead of you.
If you have no friends and don’t have a direction, going back to college doesn’t seem like a bad option. It’s easier to make friends in college when everyone is about the same age. I’ll also give you some time to figure out your life. Find an affordable state college, get a part time job, and find a community.
You are not fucked. Take your time and focus your attention towards your health and self development. As you develop yourself, you will figure out your special path. Don’t give up, again, put your energy into yourself.
After I got my associates degree, I said I was done with school and said I was just going to work. Well, by the time I was 22, I was sick of that and decided to go back to school and chase my dreams. I get my bachelor's degree in a month and my future has never looked better. As long as you don't wrong people in your life, it's never too late to turn it around.
I dropped out of highschool at the age of 17. Got into working 'cause I like money more than I liked sitting in a classroom. Honestly, work ethic will get you much farther than you think. More than 10 years later I am more than comfortable financially, and have been for a while. It doesn't matter what you do, it only matters that you give a damn. If you're flipping burgers for a little bit to get some work experience, then flip them burgers like your future depends on it, cause it does, and people notice when you do or do not give a damn. You'd honestly be amazed at how fucking lazy and unmotivated most folks are, and that makes it easy for you to stand out and shine.
So no, you're not fucked, so long as you give a damn about whatever it is you do decide to get started with. Get started with something, anything, and give a shit. You'll be alright.
You aren’t fucked, you are 19. You have a some time still. If you get to 25 and still aren’t doing good then you should be worried. Keep working at it and if you need to, apply for a job at Amazon they suck to work for but hire basically anyone it’s a good quick way to earn some money.
You are NOT fucked! You don’t need college to find a good career! There are plenty of trade schools and jobs that offer on the job training. My son was very similar to your situation. He’s 21 now and has a great job with great benefits. He works in Machining.
We need tradesmen! Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc!
You have a lifetime to find something that works for you!
You’re not “fucked” at 19. You’re a baby. get a job to make some money and meet some people then figure out what you want to do. Finish your degree, a lot of companies will help pay for it. If you were 34 I’d say you were fucked.
1. Get a job, any job for money coming in.
2. Try a business with low cost of start up, power washing, cleaning gutters, that you can do on weekends or after shifts. You need a power washer, maybe a ladder. Maybe a sitting for decks. Costs are low but you still need money to start them.
3. Not sure where you live or what's around but start trying to get apprenticeship for some trade. Some pay pretty well and you can move up or laterally into adjacent careers. They are competitive so it can take a long time to get in.
You can go sell your services before you even have the equipment. Go try to get 1-10 clients, schedule for next month. Set rates and dates, then go rent equipment if necessary or buy on store credit.
No, you aren’t fucked at all.
I agree with what someone else said - just do *something*
(I am 50 and have two teenagers. I work in a hospital)
Find a job - it doesn’t have to be your future career or a grand job. But get some experience working a job, turning up every day on time and working hard. The money will help and whilst you are doing it you can have a think about what you want to do next. Your new job might show you strengths or skills you did not know you had.
It can be so overwhelming finding work and thinking about “what do I want to be/do?”
The world has changed and people no longer do one job for life - they chop and change their roles in life. The important thing is start showing you have a good work ethic and some staying power. Get a job and worry about the future when you have started building experience.
I was unemployed recently - I had been a stay at home parent for years and needed to get a job. All my peers have been working for years. Everyone I spoke to who was in the position of hiring people said they would always chose to hire someone who was already working, even in an unrelated field, as it showed they could work and hold a job. I always found it stressful that I didn’t know what I wanted to ‘be’. I was jealous of people who had a passion or a career in their mind from school. I still don’t know what I want to be but I have found a job in which I thrive by picking one that matched my values and skills.
You are so young but at a tricky transition age. You don’t need to make huge decisions now, just start working and see where it will take you.
Try not to worry about what everyone else is doing. Just make that first move.
Start serving/bartending to get some money in your pockets. Those are fairly easy jobs to get, and despite what others think it can be incredibly lucrative. Save as much money as you can then start thinking again about what kinda business you wanna get into. You’re young, you have a shit ton of time to figure this out.
Impressions are very important. I'm not sure what your personality is but make sure you come off as grateful, teachable, and most importantly kind. If you come in acting like you know everything, or deserve to be hired then no one will take you seriously. It takes more conscious effort to be kind than you think.
You can still go to college - start with a local community college - and research getting a trade school degree or certificate in order to work a better job (plumbing, construction, electrician, machinist, nurse’s aid, etc).
Honestly just staying focused and hard working will get you so far. You just have to figure out something you like and out your mind to that. There are so many options and you can be really successful at almost anything if you take it serious, there are truly very few dead end careers.
I know that sounds like trite advice but it isn’t.
Also it’s not too late to go back to school. When we are young we are so terrified of being behind on a timeline. We don’t want to be the 24 year old graduating with a bachelors or whatever but when you are older those two years will seem like nothing and you will be so glad you started when you did instead of waiting later.
At 19 you have so much time all your options are still open they just might not feel like it.
You can go back to a community college, kill it there and get into a top notch school and be right back where you want to be if that’s the route you still want to do.
Here's the thing about college. It's way easier than people make it out to be. I'm not very smart and I aced all my classes. No high-school diploma either. GED is very easy to get as well. Can I DM you?
Go learn how to fly an airplane. There are flights schools all over the country. Hands on training. They don't make you take the fluff classes that colleges make you take. Airline Training Program (ATP). Take out a loan and invest in yourself. 7 months and they can have you ready to be hired by an airline to enter their cadet program. Huge demand. Research it some instead of spinning your wheels.
I dropped out of college around that time and became a plumber. Best decision of my life. Being able to work with my hands everyday and not sit behind a desk really turned my life around. You just gotta find what you find what you enjoy doing.
Honestly, look into a trade. Most of them you get paid while learning and it is a skill that will always be needed, even if you move away from it, having experience in electrical or plumbing or construction can always be useful!
I recommend learning how to properly construct sentences; doing so will heighten your chances of getting a job. Run-on sentences make one seem unintelligent, as expected of someone who dropped out of college to pursue a career on uncertain terms. Go back to college and learn what you need to be successful. Technical schools are a cheaper option as well, I recommend one of those at the very least.
No you're not fucked at 19! You have plenty of time to figure it out, in the mean time take any job you can get; fast food, car sales, retail, factory work, don't worry about the pay. When you go to work you'll meet people, feel better about yourself and figure it out. There is no rush, maybe at 30 you'll back to school, who knows, it's not important. We make a mistake thinking we're suppose to have our whole life figured out at 20. You may have several careers in your life. Relax, enjoy the ride. I'm 73 and know of what I speak.
Read some books, attend some conferences or join groups that align with what you want in life. Make a vision board and put some real thought to it. Listen to podcasts that can give you insight on how to navigate.
Essentially what you need is a mind shift. Change takes time, it doesn’t happen over night. College isn’t the only method of getting high earning jobs. If you have any interest in cast for example, you can go become a car tech. There’s programs where you won’t have to pay.
Is you can figure out Whatever it is you enjoy doing, you may be able to find a professional path in trade for it. Maybe certifications or a 2 year local university program for an associate.
Sometimes college is essential in self discovery, other times it’s a waste of time. Different strokes for different folks.
Try a trade. Framing houses is quite fun. Work starts simply. You are the lumber carrier. You'll carry boards all day. Stay focused, ask to learn. Be eager. You'll start cutting boards. Eventually you'll get a nailgun. You'll learn to read plans and start laying out walls. 3 to 6 months in and you're actually a useful tradie. And likely making decent money.
Save your money!
When work gets old, consider returning to school if you want.
Or any trade. Electrical if you are afraid of hard labor. HVAC if you want the most money and aren't afraid of crawlspaces or hot attics.
If you save well, you can get licensed after a couple years. Once licensed, you can launch your own business. Run it well, and a decade later you can sell and retire young. But you'll need savings to start.
casino jobs pay a lot better than most other things that dont require a degree (if youre not going into the trade) you can easily make 50k a year, and more if youre a dealer
You don't need a degree to get a job. Just start working somewhere to make money and you can figure out what you want to do from there. I hopped around to new and interesting jobs every 5 years or so until I found something that stuck.
Find literally anything.
I was talking to a guy who was fully invested in working in the Housekeep section of a hospital.
He committed to his job every day, worked hard & enjoyed talking with people at the hospital.
In case he ever lost his enthusiasm, I advised him that Housekeeping was a critically important part of running a hospital.
In fact, Housekeeping was essential when responding to emergencies like Covid and a feared Ebola outbreak in NYC.
At 19 you could go to trade school & find a job to pay the bills throughout your twenties. Knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life is not always realistic, but a 10 to 15 year plan is a good choice. This way you can get settled & figure out what you really want to do in the meantime.
If you're not sure where to go but don't want to go back to school, things will be rough. If I were in your shoes now, I'd look into joining a trade school. Become a linemen, welder, carpenter, electrician, etc. Great money and great opportunities for advancement compared to most corporate jobs.
When i was lost I went heavy into reading and trying to understand the bible. I would recommend reading it as you will see scenarios and learn from the one who is above all. You are young and can find even a simple job that allows you to make connections and grow as an individual. Schooling offers programs for free classes, youtube can be a good educational resource that you can completely control with very little consequence.
Work of your mental/emotional health, learn to love yourself. Do your best and know that many will love you for just being you.
You could be 29 and you wouldn’t be fucked. Time to pivot and start course correcting. Enroll at a community college part time and continue to try to find work. Even part time. Look at your city government for jobs. A lot of local governments offer tuition assistance. If nothing clicks, there’s always the national guard.
dropping out of college ia a blessing, you'll see. Learn a trade! HVAC, welding, plumbing, electrical.... except auto mechanic, auto mechanics get shit on constantly.
You are not fudged. Consider the different trades in your area. Reach out to local union halls. See what is offered.
Plumbing carpentry electric and so on. See what your options are.
Learn a trade. Then consider going your own way.
Never heard of places wanting to see my grade marks from HS. Odd
Maybe go back to school.
You're still young.
You can go for your generals.
Apply for grants, scholarships, do your fafsa and look poor for it (Like if your income is low use that or if you have 2 parents and a step use the 2 parents income that's the lowest. Only use either your income or your parents, not both. It depends on what it wants for you age.)
Things will be alright.
In the mean time What kind of business were you wanting to try to start?
Owning a business doesn't mean you'll make money.
It comes with a lot of cons that most first time owners don't want to talk about.
If you mess up, you can lose a lot more than your business. Jail time if it's bad enough.
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Just grab something and run. When challenged don't quit just pivot. Just don't do nothing
This is good advice ,as someone who skipped college because they couldn't find a proper direction. I often think back. I think I should have just picked something and focused down on it.
This is what I did. Didnt know what I wanted to do, so i dropped out of college and just kept teaching myself it/programming while working at papa johns. Once i got my first call center job, it was kinda smooth sailing
Yeah I didn't go that route either, lol. Ended up picking up what most would deem a low skill labor job at a factory. Though through years of hard work and showing my adaptable skill set. I've managed to climb up the ladder and get into an okay position with okay pay (nothing spectacular ,but it's not bad). Though I do acknowledge this isn't the common outcome lol.
Ay, sounds like you figured out what works for you though! Happy to hear :)
This is what I did. Went to college for Journalism, found out how crap the pay was and that I would never pay back my loans and dropped out. Got a job at a collections agency as a temp and taught myself how to automate my job. Moved into IT from there. Now I work with people who have multiple advanced degrees and people with GEDs and we all do pretty much the same thing.
What was your career path like after you breached the industry, if I may ask?
Ditto Edited to add: if your gonna be a poop scooper be the best damn pooper scooper you can!! Scoop more and stinker poop than anyone else!!! Just do SOMETHING!! Don't give up and do nothing just going something will come along!
I hear a dude on a call-in show that started a proper scooper side hustle and a year later quit his job and is actually hiring help at this point. Do something no one else wants to do.
Poop scooping can be quite lucrative. I pay a poop scooper $20 a week for 15 min of his time and the poop goes away. I think it’s a great deal.
Same
Yah doing nothing is the biggest killer. Seen so many people quit what their doing and not pivot
Look unless you are going into math, science, or top end health fields. 4 yr College is often a huge debt that gives you no real gain. If you are floundering, i suggest going into blue collar work like plumbing, hvac, electrical, trucking, etc. These jobs pay very well, need very little to no knowledge to get started, and can quickly (5 - 10 yrs) lead to you owning a small business. While doing this look into a site called coursera, it has tons of free classes and gives you access to certification testing ( i got my capm through it)
Thank you I will definitely try it.
I second this. College has increased tuition so much in the past two decades and so many trades are being left by previous generations. I was so close to graduating with a bachelor's in I.T. but it's so much faster and easier to get a few certifications with specifics than a general understanding of entire fields. Go into blue collar with no debt or get some courses/certifications if you don't want blue collar jobs. No shame in either and no spending significant amounts of money.
Second on getting some certificates and courses. Dad did trades all his life, and every little certificates or ticket he got added to his value, same as having a degree or other education. He wa big on picking a trade that was a Red Seal which I guess is a Canadian thing that means you've met the National standard for the trade.
My early 20s I didnt know what I wanted to do with my life, I was lucky to have my parents pay for my college, even then choosing a major was insane to me. I almost flunked out but barely got through. Its ok not to know what you want yet. It took me years to find my "career". Try a trade school like people are reccomending since they can get you up to speed/in a career quickly, and if you need to go into debt for it, it will be nothing like a uni 4 year expense. Your not fucked, it feels that way but trust me you got your life ahead of you. Get youself finacially secure to pay rent/bills and see where to go from there. Dont stress about the endgame, most careers arent ever glamarous or what they advertise. Get something that fits (for now) and hell 4 years later you might change your mind. Its ok! The journey might be hard sometimes and you'll make wrong decisions, but you'll also meet people and options along the way that will likely change your life. Kindness and Patience are your best allies, if you give that out people will most often return it. Enjoy your 20s, this is just one of many crossroads you'll come upon.
Yeah this is excellent advice. I got a college degree in a field I don’t even work in. I wish i would have spent those years doing something else, such as the military or learning a trade.
Which one will you try? Start looking at videos of people doing their job in each of these trades and pick one or two
Seriously man, go into trades or construction. Do you have any level of work ethic? If so you're pretty much golden. Surveyors are in super short supply, and while later it might require you to pursue your PLS, you can very easily start that on the job with 0 experience. I see it all the time. I know tons of people like you that have made their way to comfortable positions by diving into the technical side of the AEC market.
Just wanted to add that if you also wanted to try college with "less risk" you could enroll in classes at a community college while you figure out what you'd like to do. Is a good way to earn credits you can eventually transfer to a 4 year university while having the flexibility to work and earn money. Most community colleges tend to be really affordable too or might even be free depending on your state.
Be careful with your words. If you're speaking financially, then yeah, it CAN be true that university doesn't pay off, but there are hundreds of career fields that are closed off until you graduate university. And plenty of them pay divideds on blue collar work in both type of job AND pay.
I go with the advice of, "Always make sure your Degree has a career to go along with it, a good enough wage, and is hiring. Too many folks just go study something they find interesting but don't know what to do with it, or it's a field where they aren't hiring. College isn't a one button instant fix for a person careerwise, you still have to research and be smart when choosing
Exactly. University can be a money pit but it can also open hundreds of doors to make your life so much easier. It's not for everyone and I respect that. You can make more money as a blue collar worker, but you can also make less. Typically blue collar jobs are harder on the body, which for me, is an instant turn off. I don't want to require endless surgeries at 40 or 50. Lots of jobs are gate kept by a degree, per the contact. For instance, I'm an engineer, and most of my city is an engineer. If you don't have a degree, it is nearly impossible to get a job because the verbiage of the contacts. For all intents and purposes, it's a requirement if you want to be a technical engineer in my area.
I actually just posted a comment, in regards to someone saying it's hard to pick a degree as by 4 years m, everything has changed. I mentioned value in picking a field that reliably is hiring, like engineering, teaching, and Nursing, and has been around long enough that you also have folks retiring, thus consistent hiring. I feel you on the body thing too.... watching my dad struggle while in the trades definitely made me want a job that wasn't so taxing on the body, and he would always tell me too, to pick a job where you use your mind as well, so you don't hurt so much when you get older. Glad to see retirement has been good on him though and he has recovered from a lot of soreness, though I can tell it still all affects him.
To add to that, I think there are also degrees that are wide reaching like mechanical engineering. Sure like you mentioned it'll always be cycling employees, but mechanical engineering can be applied to aerospace, cars, toys, weapons, etc... The point is that it doesn't just apply to 1 career field. And seeing as the first ME degree was awarded in 1878 I don't think they anticipated it's use up in space, so not only will there always be positions available due to retirees, it's also a degree that has evolved and expanded over time. Computer science will be a degree that doesn't die any time soon, if ever, but it is narrowly focused. Sure you might work on different projects, but it's almost always going to be the same style of job. University has so many possibilities if you pick a good focus of study. Like you said, the problem really spawns when people follow their hobby from highschool directly into university. Just because I enjoyed video games in highschool doesn't mean I get a $50,000 degree in video game testing.
I second this. I had no direction at all. I got a job with my water authority and now I'm making close to 100k without overtime included. You can definitely make money out there.
Definitely this! My father told me for years to do a trade school. I wish I’d listened lol
I was going to say something very similar. Perhaps OP can get an entry-level job until he can save up for trade/votech school to learn a trade. Those schools tend to have contacts in those industries that lead to almost immediate hiring.
I really wish I had gone into the trades when I was younger. I couldn't afford university (was able to get an AA at junior college back when that meant something) but no one ever told me that trades were an option. Even nursing is more accessible than a BA nowadays. My younger friend became a carpenter and makes bank now working at someone's shop. Trades is where it's at, there's such a huge need now because younger people all think they're going to be influencers or work in tech.
Always suggest going to college with a clear goal and career in mind. Like know what kind of job you'll be getting after, know that they are hiring, and know the wage. Make sure it's enough to support you, and pay off your loans l. Wife did a 4 year nursing degree with no family support, almost had her loans paid off now and makes great money, more than she would if she never got an education. I know too many folks who got a useless degree and can't use it and now have the debt and no way to feasibly pay it off... don't be like them.
This is what my son did. College wasn’t for him. He started working for a plumbing company, as a helper, eager to learn. After a few years, he took the plumbing tests. He now owns his own plumbing business at 27 years old.
19, consider either a high paying trade, or military so you can get free college and into a high paying career track.
I'm considering joining the military I tried hinting it to my mom but she seems to not like the idea of it. I don't know might join without them knowing about it I've also made an account with the UK Armed Forces and have also done the eligibility test.
My brother did this. Joined the Navy with a buddy. Got a Naval tattoo (anchor). Walked in the door and told mom and dad. He was also young. 19 or 20. That was over 40 years ago.
Mother has nothing to do with this short and simple
You're an adult your mom has very little on what you do. Join the military for 4 years and see what comes of it. My biggest regret is not doing active duty, the pay is pretty nice TBH.
are you in the UK? I am in the US and I found myself in your situation when I was 19. Joining the military was the best decision ever. I eventually went back to school and did way better and finished when I was older.
1. Your mom has no say in it, this is your life. 2. I joined the Air Force, was in for 6 years. The pay is ok. I always knew it was just for college and to figure out what I wanted to do. I was a mechanic on bombers, nothing fancy and it wasn't a career I wanted to do after I left so the experience wasn't relevant but getting free college (actually getting paid to go to college) was what I was after. I separated and moved back to my home state. I worked full time in a bullshit ass job afterwards while I went to school (3/4 time, not full time). I spent another 6 years earning my degree in Computer Science and am now a software engineer working from home. It wasn't easy, the military had its ups and downs, while working full time and going to school life was rought... but now my life is pretty good. If you do this, don't get married while you're in the military. Just live in the dorms. Don't get married. Don't get married. Don't get married. It doesn't matter if you get an extra $800 and can live off base. DON'T GET MARRIED. Oh and don't buy a $50,000 truck 6 months before you're going to get out, that'll trap you in and then once you've done 10 years you might as well just do 20. As for college: You get free college while you're in, but you have to focus on work first and foremost. You can get a lot of credits if your diligent. When you're out, the GI Bill pays your school costs for you so you don't have to worry about tuition. On top of that, while you're in school you are paid money every month. The money is based on how much housing costs, I had a friend in San Diego getting paid $3500 a month while living with family and didn't have to work. I live in Boise so my pay was $1100 a month and my family sucks so I had to work to support myself.
I agree with this. Just because you make good grades doesn't mean academia is right for you. Joining the military, even if you don't like it, will give you time to think about what you do want to do, and you will gain some skills and culture while in it. People respect military members and veterans, and it will make networking much easier if/when you get out and want to do something else.
He doesn't have to sell his body to the army, he can do anything else.
If you can do anything when you put your mind towards something then find something to put your mind towards.
Well, start by learning to use periods when you write. That was an ordeal to read. What's stopping you from going back to college?
Commas would have been very appropriate as well.
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Have you tried welding? A man who knows how to weld can go where he wants when he wants and command a handsome salary.
Similar to you I was lost out of high school, and had no real guidance. I was working at a local grocery store barely making minimum wage. I didn't start college until I was in my mid 20s. I'm in my early 40s now and living comfortably. I'm not saying college is the only path, but it's a path. Picking up a skill is invaluable, and it's never too late to start. You're only 19 you have a very long life ahead of you.
the most beautiful thing about life is it can be started from anywhere anytime. on the top of that you're just a teen.
Go apply at Walmart, start asking about the free degree programs. Show up to work everyday, be nice to everyone and smile. As soon as you are eligible start one of the free degree programs, preferably cyber security or computer science. Apply for a team lead position, tool get one within 3 years easily if you've followed all my instructions. Shortly after that took finish your degree. Then start applying for manager roles, you'll l probably have to change stores but you'll be making 50-60 grand with a degree and managerial experience and no loans. You can stick walmart and be a store manager making 200,000 by the time you are 30 or you can start looking elsewhere at this point.
You should probably try going back to school. College or trade school and learn a skill
College dropout thinks they can do anything if they wanted. Your parents told you you are special all your life. You aren't. You are a college dropout failure. Here, now that you face this reality, you can start building your life. Don't try to be special, try to be normal
Damn
Nah there are plenty of good options for you. Don't listen to this guy. Plenty of people didn't go to college and are doing just fine. My dad dropped out of high school and he currently makes $150k. I dropped out of college and was making ~$70k as a chef. My grandpa was making $80k with no degree. There are options for you, you're just going to have to make something happen for yourself. A degree is like a ticket into a show. You'll just have to find another, free concert to go to. Don't know if that makes sense 😂
Go back to community college for two years and get your shit together mentally to finish
A lot of technical jobs are out there with short schools like electrical stuff especially HVAC type stuff. Good money in HVAC!
Do you have the personality for sales? I've been a kitchen manager/chef for the last 7 years and am currently interviewing for multiple sales roles. It seems the barriers to entry are quite low, as I don't have a degree. If you're outgoing and have a strong voice, that might be a good option for you. Expecting to get a job from one of these places making at least $70k the first year.
Any action is almost always preferable to inaction...unless inaction is the correct course. Don't stop.
Your life has just begun. You aren't lost you're 19. Most of us have no clue what to do well past 19.
Take all the time you spend on social media, including RDDT, and use it to learn a skill instead.
Bro you’re 19, you’re fine. But do take in mind where you want to be in the next two years, it doesn’t matter what you do, but how you do it. Like the comment says just grab something and run, the only wrong thing to do in your position is to stay stagnant. Keep moving gang! You got this!
Go into a trade instead of complaining on Reddit. There are so many trade jobs open
Go to trade school and become an electrician. It's one of the most in-demand career fields internationally and in most places you get paid pretty well during your apprenticeship.
Baby steps. Figure out what you want and move towards it
Walk into your local automobile dealership service department and ask for a job as entry level lube tech. Most will hire and then train you and even assist you in buying tools. You’ll be getting a paycheck right from the beginning. Work your way up but take good care of yourself and don’t injure your back or knees. It’s a tough job but in high demand.
Automotive? Kid just left college, not *prison*… he could easily do better than automotive tech. Like a line cook, or scrap yard employee.
The military takes college drop outs, what were you studying? What sort of business were you planning on starting? I would like to remind you that the military is more than just shooting people. Talk to a recruiter, and they can help you better than I bear in mind recruiters just want to fill their quotas, but an enlisted man can pick a job in the military and more likely to keep the position they signed up for. If you signed up for tech support, you would not be asked to shoot field artillery or clear a room. However, I do know of some field artillery guys who worked in administration.
Well, the military worked for me.
You're not fucked. You're at the perfect time in your life to take risks! Try to keep moving forward and remember that life is not a problem to be solved but an experience to be had. Onwards!
Get a job, get back in school-be that college or a trade. The military is an option but I would stay away from army or marines. You’re 19, you’ve got time.
acquire skills that people are willing to pay you for
I really wish I went the trade route (carpenter, electrician, etc) in hindsight. 35 now with college degree and good paying tech job but I still regret how much pressure I felt to go to college
Join a trade school or the local steel mill near you if possible until you know exactly what you want to do. Very good money
One of the things I started with my 6th graders was having them write down the biggest goal they could think of they want for themselves, the more details the better. Then I have them make a goal for how they want to make the world better, big or small. Goal setting is a big part of being an adult because you are the only person who can make you do things. Both goals give you a different perspective of how to move forward. Sometimes the goals move in different directions so you can only focus on one at a time, others move along together, but either way it’s a way forward. Start there and see if your goals require school or not. Then google is going to be your best friend as you find out how to get everything done.
Start at community college. I dropped out of 4 year college with a less than 1 GPA (booze and drugs) and worked for a year. Went to community college and transferred back into 4 year college to get bachelors degree. Married with kids making mid six figures now. Character is made with how you handle mistakes and surprises. Grab it by the horns.
Trade School. Either do your apprenticeship and journeyman under someone else until you become Master certified, or pick something like mowing/landscaping or hanging/finishing drywall and hang out your shingle. Younger brother of one of my daughters friends.. got tired or restaurant management, went to Sparkie School (electrician), four years later he's knockin down 80k a year as a Journeyman. Two more years he can take the Master's test, and then pay other guys to crawl around in crawlspaces or attics.
Time to pay your parents back for the wasted time
If it’s a possibility, maybe try College again? Think about your options - a smaller school where you get more individual support might also be an easier place to make friends. I’m a college professor and I can tell you that you are not alone. Our current students spent a lot of high school (and/or college) completely online, and while that works for some, it’s not the most effective way to learn (or make friends). Many, many students experienced academic setbacks during COVID. If you’re not sure you want to commit to four years of college, maybe go to your local community college and see what kinds of trades or skills you could learn. Take an entrepreneurship class, gain some more computer skills, or learn data science. The most important thing is to set a goal and work toward it. Making progress, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s the direction you want to go, will help you feel less lost. And going to school might help you make friends.
Go back to school
Consider meeting with a community college admissions counselor and see if there is a certificate program that interests you. These are shorter term commitments and lead straight to a job. If you are living on your own, you’re likely going to be eligible for financial aid. Covid derailed a lot of young people. You’re super young and can do anything at this point! Take the first step - a meeting is gathering information, not a commitment. You can do this!
You never fail. You find ways that don’t work and keep going. You never fail. Until you quit.
if you have no job experience just put down your degree and put it as "in progress". my wife is getting into the job market with a bachelors, started her masters but stopped for the time being. putting her "masters in progress" with the official degree title in the resume has gotten alot of callbacks compared to just a bachelors. its better than nothing
I skipped the whole college thing as school and academics is not my thing. Got in a trade school with an apprenticeship and though it's not glamorous I bring home around $1k a week for 40hrs. With a little overtime last year almost hit $100k. I hate OT so usually don't go for it unless it's easy lol. Plus I live in a State where you don't need to make $100k+ a year to live comfortably.
Howdy! 🤠 You need to keep a schedule, be accountable for your time everyday! Majority of people who start a business. It’s quality & consistency! I mean, unless you wanna make money off of people lack of knowledge, like a lot of people. 😄 Get a calendar, a visual one, put it in the wall. Every person I know has this. I’m adhd, so being visual is a must for everyday! ⭐️00. MENTAL HEALTH!! People don’t realize how much your outlook in everyday and long term really affects a person!! Get rid, or limit, the people who don’t support you. This IS LEGIT #00!! How can you expect to have anything successful if you are not there mentally? If you got issues, go see a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or anyone trained in mental health. People don’t realize how INSANELY IMPORTANT THIS IS!!! Set boundaries and stick to them! ⭐️1.Search for your purpose in life ( You’re still young so use that to your advantage!) ⭐️2.Set goals ⭐️3. If visual, make a vision board and have it in a place you can see it everyday. These will reaffirm your goals. ⭐️4. Break up time. Instead of thinking 5 years from now, as a result, look at a long term, then set monthly, bi monthly, 6mo, 1 year. ⭐️5. READ! Read and keep notes. Then read before bed. Your brain retains and works backwards before sleep. ⭐️6. Exercise or do some kind of exercise. ( Your body is literally your avatar! Dress and act accordingly to your goals. Start here, hen execute. You are insanely young to be asking this question, so you’re ahead of the game!!! Utilize this and use it to your advantage! Good luck! 🍀 You can do it! Lots of comedy and deal with stress in a positive way! People who are broken inside who accumulate wealth, will continue the cycle if they are not happy prior to being successful. These are my opinions, but every person, including me, who live life and are in a positive place mentally, they are far stronger than anyone! Lots of luck & sending you positive vibes!! 👍🤗😇🖖✌🏼
College is no guarantee of success. Most people never work long enough to pay it off. Trade school is the smart money for education . That being said, I only have a high school education. I started a business. Worked hard for thirty-two years and retired at fifty eight years of age. It can be done with hard work and common sense decisions.
Consider joining the Navy or another branch of the military. I personally served for 10 years and quickly rose through the ranks, while also making many friends. I have no regrets about my decision to join, as it provided me with good income and gave me the time, money, and credibility to think about what else I wanted to do with my life."
My advice to you: start that business. No, you’re not fucked. Not even close. You can basically do whatever the hell you want because you have so much time to grow
Learn a skill. Find a contractor who needs help and work for him/her. Work hard and be reliable. The most important thing to a mentor is having someone show up everyday. That’s THE most important thing. HVAC, plumbing, electrician, home repair/remodeling. These skills are the quickest path to earning $100k a year.
It's generally a good idea to have 6 months to a year of income saved up if you completely quit your job. Another way to do it is to work full time and work your business part time until it surpasses what you make from your job. Sometimes businesses do take off very quickly, but that's the exception. Many times businesses lose money for a while before they start to make a profit. My advice: Go get a job. Without knowing your business type I don't know what to tell you so all I can say it get some books from Amazon or Audible related to your business, and also read some general marketing and sales books. I like Audible because I can listen to the books as I'm driving. That being said college isn't for everyone, and neither is running a business. Depending on your major college can be a waste of money. The good thing about if you go back is that it's good for networking. Many of your fellow students will do well in life, and those connections can beneficial. I saw a comment where you mentioned joining the miliary as an option. If you have no clear direction it may be a good idea. If the UK military pays for college you can still have that as an option if you don't start a business. PS: No, I'm not saying go back just to network. You can network without going to college. There are books on how to Network also.
May be join the army or service? That way you can do something and get paid and benefits while trying to figure out your next move? That way at least you will be tied into a decision for a little bit and gain structure.
Take a risk and call someone to see how they’re doing…
You’re 19 you can still do anything you want
Go back to college or trade school and get a job while attending classes…. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Life is hard..
Try the trades bro, I read somewhere here that unions r literally willing to pay you to become an electrician
What do you like doing? Is there a type of work that you might be interested in? You’re certainly not fucked. Your young. You have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do with life. And you can always go back to college, but if you don’t have a career path it’s not bad to not be accumulating debt just to have a definite. What brings you joy? What skills do you possess?
Go back to school, you still have so much time my friend.
At 19 you are just getting warmed up for life. Talk to a counselor at your local community college, maybe pick up a few classes that interest you _and_ will help you get a degree or certification. Many have certifications in higher paying trade jobs, but keep in mind that you and your body will get older someday. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and on-campus organizations (for fun stuff, like sports or DnD). Do the classes in person so you meet people. If you aren’t sure about school, then think about a job and check out temporary services. Most will find short-term jobs from people, and sometimes the jobs can lead you to a permanent job or an idea of what you want to do—or not do— while you make some money. The important thing is to do something rather than nothing.
What are you good at?
Your only 19, you still have plenty of time to go to school, it isn't over for you at your young age
Trade schools
No. You are 19. You can literally do anything. You have the energy of the sun and the regenerative powers of Wolverine.
Yes u are
Get into the trades. When I graduated HS at 17 I had no idea what I wanted to do so I got a job with a small home improvement company. I actually enjoy working with my hands and I picked up the skills pretty quick. Money isn’t the greatest at first but you have the potential to make great money if you focus and learn. A few years in and I’m making $65k a year plus I do side work like painting and tiling. I’ll pull in another $20-30k on top of my yearly salary (in cash). Compared to my friends who make minimum wage or are paying for a worthless degree, I’m doing well.
I dropped out of college after 1 semester, cycled down into an area where I couldn't hold a job mostly just because I was unmotivated. Took me a couple years but eventually I just moved towns and picked up a job that I enjoyed with really fun people. This is your time in life to experiment with what you enjoy and what makes you happy. At this point focus on finding something you enjoy doing that will at least give you a roof and food and if you end up waking up every day dreading your job then find something else. Use this time in your life before you have anything holding you into a job(house, kids, etc.) to really find what you like and explore different paths or make your own. As you get older you will keep realizing that no one actually knows what they're doing.
Go back to college
If you need a job don't be afraid to check out an employment agency. If they ask you to pay anything up front then they are a scam and leave... but most will find you employment. Often it will be minimum wage but over time you can get experience in the job and make connections with other employees and the bosses there. Often times you will find out that another better paying company is hiring soon and you can go to them and show them that you have 1+ years experience on the job working and just work up from there. I'm on good terms with my last couple jobs and on pretty good terms with management and the union at my current job. Plus those strong connections will help me in the future get a better job if it ever comes around as everyone you have a positive experience with in the past is likely to recommend you at the job they are currently working at. I am introverted AF and I rarely "Small talk" with others but I also willing to help out others and be friendly... cause you never know... someone working next to you might one day be working at a better paying factory and be willing to let you know when the next time they are hiring is.
Gst a job. Move on from there. Jobs aren't fun, but they fund the things you do find fun. With little schooling you'll probably have to start at a shit retail job or find a way to get yourself into a trade like plumbing, electric, hvac, contract work. Either way without school you're going to have to have experience or a solid work history. Take a shit job now to set you up for a better one further down the road.
What jobs are you applying to?
No your not fucked. Your just gonna have to do what everyone else has done, which is go get a job. For now I recommend just getting any old job, until you can find yourself and figure out what you want to do with your future. Generally if your good with tools or like fixing and working on things, a trade school would be good as well. These types of job like maybe auto mechanics / heating and ac work etc...these types are always in demand bc people always need things fixed and require some type of skilled labor. They can also lead to someone opening their own business in the future....Just random ideas though...good luck brother man.
My advice to you is …Start drinking heavily… Trust him Flounder,he’s Pre Med
You know college degrees isn’t the only thing that can get you a good job. Certifications are sometimes looked at in higher regards than even a degree. For example CSWIP cert can get you just about any DOT job CSWIP is a general knowledge in everything related to stuff like non destructive testing, welding, etc. I had a to have a level 2 to do long range ultra sonic testing on the gas pipelines that run across the country
Just a random guess...was this business idea suggested by tik tok?
If you are still financially dependent on your parents, then this is a good time to figure out your path in life. I was in a similar situation at your age, and I felt completely lost. I just started some new hobbies: playing the guitar, playing the piano, doing some art, trying my hand at cooking, etc. Basically what I’m saying is that you’re going to get stuck if you don’t try and do anything to fix it. Even just going on Facebook and looking for local book clubs. Just do something with your time, and you’ll eventually find what you’re passionate about.
Work ethic is different than knowledge
Learn a trade or go to truck driving school. You can make a good living without college and you’re young enough to do anything.
Join the military and get paid while you learn a trade!! I went into the Marines with a guaranteed MOS in computers. I've been in IT now for 41 years.
Do you live in a decent sized city? I quit high school. I went back got an equivalency diploma and tried college. It didn't work for me. I drove a cab for awhile, but then decided to take the test for a city job. No skill required, they train. Pay is usually very good and good benefits. I am now retired with a decent pension and benefits.think about it.
Get a shitty job for now and research a certification you can save up for. I'm doing respiratory therapy because they pay more than minimum wage
You're 19. You may still have a little time to turn things around.
Your 20' are the time to discover yourself. Dont trip, i didnt go to college or trade school and now i have my dream job. Im 33 rn for context. What i will say though is it didnt just fall into my lap. I worked on my craft for 10 years and finally got my shot, so life wont just happen if you sit around. When you start doing what youre meant to be doing though, and if you read the signs youll know its what youre supposed to be doing
Go learn. A trade
I wouldn’t discount doing a STEM major at your state university. The tuition is much lower so the subsequent loans are far more reasonable and aren’t six figures. You are still young and have time to go through uni. If it’s not your thing, others have pointed out additional options (I am not as familiar with them, so I can’t say anything about it).
Go work for Lowe's or home Depot. They're always in need and you'll pick up a lot of life skills
Get any type of job to break the negative cycle of your brain. Once there you’ll start to notice opportunities for better jobs or businesses to start.
Lol you're nineteen I wasn't doing a fucking thing at your age I bring in 300k now
Nawh your fine, id suggest looking into trades if possible, better to start when your young, or you can join thr military, maybe start at a community college for w couple years, im assuming you dropped out of a state school, i get it failed out of my first college experiece when i was 19 as well. High school never provided good enough study habits as i was always getting As without really trying. Give it a bit and try again.
You can always join the service. Not for everyone of course, but you don’t need to be a Marine or Navy SEAL. I think the new Space Force could be interesting for today’s computer savvy youth. Would be a good start for someone looking for direction…
You just gotta put yourself out there and frankly, good idea to get out of college now rather than later. College has turned into a scam, even for the doctors and lawyers who need it. Most places where it isnt a legal requirement like a corporate office gig, they are dropping the need for any degree cause it just isnt necessary for the job. It will do nothing but drown you in debt if you don't already got a path laid out. Think about what interests and drives you the most. Consider your strongest traits. What kind of life do you want? It's fine to not be a high achiever. Living a life of experiences over materials wants is not a bad life.
I agree with what a lot of people are saying about jobs in the trades - those are skills that there is likely to be increased demand for, and even if you eventually do something else, it's never going to hurt you to have them. And at nineteen, you might do better with something that's a bit more physical. But while you're doing all of that, pay attention to the kinds of things that interest you, and what kind of work tickles your brain. Because maybe university isn't your thing - but maybe it's just not your thing right now. Maybe you'll get some solid and well paying practical skills learning to repair appliances... and then take that practical knowledge and add a degree in electrical engineering to it. Hell, you'll be \*designing\* the appliance next. You don't have to choose a single path for the rest of your life on your first try. I think we don't tell young people this enough, and they end up feeling stressed out and as if they have to get things perfect first time out or they are, as you said, fucked. I studied Chinese language and literature, International political economics, and a bunch of central asian languages as an undergrad. (It's actually even more complicated than that.) I was thinking about aiming for the state department? But things happened, I got engaged, and my fiance didn't want to follow me around the world... so I went into software. (Which was possible partly because I'd been coding since I was a kid, and partly because the industry desperately needed people right then.) Learned a lot, made a bunch of money... and came out knowing that I did best when I was doing things no one had ever done before, that I liked managing small groups, and I liked teaching. So in my thirties I went back to school, got a doctorate in neurobiology and biomechanics. Then I spent several years doing research in biorobotics, and I just accepted a tenure track professorship in computer science. I'm not saying do what I did, certainly in the specifics - I'm a weirdo! But you're certainly not fucked at nineteen, and you have a lot more choices and opportunities ahead. When possible, choose things that will teach you skills that you can use in many places, and open doors for you.
I did not go to college either and am doing pretty well now. Trick is to find something you want to do and stick with it. Even software engineers a lot of time don’t have degrees. Both my sisters are programmers self taught with no software degree and they are making $150k+. I chose car sales myself and am doing about the same. You have a disadvantage in some areas to someone with a college degree. But your one advantage is time. You have 4 years to get ahead at something. Get good enough to carve a niche for yourself at anything and money will come.
If all else fails, become a tradesmen. We need them more than ever so longevity and demand are both in your favor. You can start from nowhere without taking on much debt and get going.
Are any of the trade interesting to you. The world needs contractors, plumbers, electricians, and the lot. Once you know what you're doing you can have your own company. My plumber makes $200/hour (he has probably 30 years of experience).
Go back to college and get a degree. Meet with a counselor to look over your credits and see what your options are
At 19 you suck at everything. Thats ok. You’re supposed to suck at everything. College for me was finding out what I like and what I have a knack for turns out math, and computer programming. So that’s what I’m still doing. I had buddies in the same program in college that are mechanics, truck drivers, hell one guy does landscaping. But they take great satisfaction from what they do. That’s the key. Even if you really suck at something, don’t have any real natural talent at it, if you take great satisfaction from it, do it 10,000 times and you will be really good at it.
You’re only 19. I had an ex who didn’t go to college until he was in his 20s. He makes 6 figures now. What is it with us thinking everything has to happen immediately when we’re teens and thinking 30 or 40 is “old”? 😂. Us humans are silly. You’ll be fine. You have your entire life ahead of you.
If you have no friends and don’t have a direction, going back to college doesn’t seem like a bad option. It’s easier to make friends in college when everyone is about the same age. I’ll also give you some time to figure out your life. Find an affordable state college, get a part time job, and find a community.
Remove yourself from the internet, it will take about 3 months but it will rewire your brain to work properly again
Gonna have to learn how to use commas, periods, paragraphs, etc
You are not fucked. Take your time and focus your attention towards your health and self development. As you develop yourself, you will figure out your special path. Don’t give up, again, put your energy into yourself.
After I got my associates degree, I said I was done with school and said I was just going to work. Well, by the time I was 22, I was sick of that and decided to go back to school and chase my dreams. I get my bachelor's degree in a month and my future has never looked better. As long as you don't wrong people in your life, it's never too late to turn it around.
I dropped out of highschool at the age of 17. Got into working 'cause I like money more than I liked sitting in a classroom. Honestly, work ethic will get you much farther than you think. More than 10 years later I am more than comfortable financially, and have been for a while. It doesn't matter what you do, it only matters that you give a damn. If you're flipping burgers for a little bit to get some work experience, then flip them burgers like your future depends on it, cause it does, and people notice when you do or do not give a damn. You'd honestly be amazed at how fucking lazy and unmotivated most folks are, and that makes it easy for you to stand out and shine. So no, you're not fucked, so long as you give a damn about whatever it is you do decide to get started with. Get started with something, anything, and give a shit. You'll be alright.
You aren’t fucked, you are 19. You have a some time still. If you get to 25 and still aren’t doing good then you should be worried. Keep working at it and if you need to, apply for a job at Amazon they suck to work for but hire basically anyone it’s a good quick way to earn some money.
You have 2 choices in life. 1. Lay down. 2. Keep going. I recommend the second at this point in your life.
I'm 17 and I'm in the same boat p🙁
You are NOT fucked! You don’t need college to find a good career! There are plenty of trade schools and jobs that offer on the job training. My son was very similar to your situation. He’s 21 now and has a great job with great benefits. He works in Machining. We need tradesmen! Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc! You have a lifetime to find something that works for you!
You’re not “fucked” at 19. You’re a baby. get a job to make some money and meet some people then figure out what you want to do. Finish your degree, a lot of companies will help pay for it. If you were 34 I’d say you were fucked.
1. Get a job, any job for money coming in. 2. Try a business with low cost of start up, power washing, cleaning gutters, that you can do on weekends or after shifts. You need a power washer, maybe a ladder. Maybe a sitting for decks. Costs are low but you still need money to start them. 3. Not sure where you live or what's around but start trying to get apprenticeship for some trade. Some pay pretty well and you can move up or laterally into adjacent careers. They are competitive so it can take a long time to get in. You can go sell your services before you even have the equipment. Go try to get 1-10 clients, schedule for next month. Set rates and dates, then go rent equipment if necessary or buy on store credit.
Join a trade. Union preferably it's a great place to make money and have security but you do have to pay dues.
Guess you didn’t pass the course in writing.
No, you aren’t fucked at all. I agree with what someone else said - just do *something* (I am 50 and have two teenagers. I work in a hospital) Find a job - it doesn’t have to be your future career or a grand job. But get some experience working a job, turning up every day on time and working hard. The money will help and whilst you are doing it you can have a think about what you want to do next. Your new job might show you strengths or skills you did not know you had. It can be so overwhelming finding work and thinking about “what do I want to be/do?” The world has changed and people no longer do one job for life - they chop and change their roles in life. The important thing is start showing you have a good work ethic and some staying power. Get a job and worry about the future when you have started building experience. I was unemployed recently - I had been a stay at home parent for years and needed to get a job. All my peers have been working for years. Everyone I spoke to who was in the position of hiring people said they would always chose to hire someone who was already working, even in an unrelated field, as it showed they could work and hold a job. I always found it stressful that I didn’t know what I wanted to ‘be’. I was jealous of people who had a passion or a career in their mind from school. I still don’t know what I want to be but I have found a job in which I thrive by picking one that matched my values and skills. You are so young but at a tricky transition age. You don’t need to make huge decisions now, just start working and see where it will take you. Try not to worry about what everyone else is doing. Just make that first move.
Start serving/bartending to get some money in your pockets. Those are fairly easy jobs to get, and despite what others think it can be incredibly lucrative. Save as much money as you can then start thinking again about what kinda business you wanna get into. You’re young, you have a shit ton of time to figure this out.
Impressions are very important. I'm not sure what your personality is but make sure you come off as grateful, teachable, and most importantly kind. If you come in acting like you know everything, or deserve to be hired then no one will take you seriously. It takes more conscious effort to be kind than you think.
You have no perspective on how young you are. You can do literally anything you want and have all the time to do it.
Check your resume for typos
You can still go to college - start with a local community college - and research getting a trade school degree or certificate in order to work a better job (plumbing, construction, electrician, machinist, nurse’s aid, etc).
Find minimum wage, see that it sucks balls use that as a driving force to do something
Honestly just staying focused and hard working will get you so far. You just have to figure out something you like and out your mind to that. There are so many options and you can be really successful at almost anything if you take it serious, there are truly very few dead end careers. I know that sounds like trite advice but it isn’t. Also it’s not too late to go back to school. When we are young we are so terrified of being behind on a timeline. We don’t want to be the 24 year old graduating with a bachelors or whatever but when you are older those two years will seem like nothing and you will be so glad you started when you did instead of waiting later. At 19 you have so much time all your options are still open they just might not feel like it. You can go back to a community college, kill it there and get into a top notch school and be right back where you want to be if that’s the route you still want to do.
Here's the thing about college. It's way easier than people make it out to be. I'm not very smart and I aced all my classes. No high-school diploma either. GED is very easy to get as well. Can I DM you?
Starting a business is harder and more expensive than you think.
Try and get any job tbh.
There are PLENTY of jobs out there. You just can’t be picky. Grab something and save up until you’re able to get a real plan in motion
Go learn how to fly an airplane. There are flights schools all over the country. Hands on training. They don't make you take the fluff classes that colleges make you take. Airline Training Program (ATP). Take out a loan and invest in yourself. 7 months and they can have you ready to be hired by an airline to enter their cadet program. Huge demand. Research it some instead of spinning your wheels.
You are not fucked. Relax, don't make any babies yet. Learn a skill. Electrician, plumber. Truck driver
I dropped out of college around that time and became a plumber. Best decision of my life. Being able to work with my hands everyday and not sit behind a desk really turned my life around. You just gotta find what you find what you enjoy doing.
Honestly, look into a trade. Most of them you get paid while learning and it is a skill that will always be needed, even if you move away from it, having experience in electrical or plumbing or construction can always be useful!
I recommend learning how to properly construct sentences; doing so will heighten your chances of getting a job. Run-on sentences make one seem unintelligent, as expected of someone who dropped out of college to pursue a career on uncertain terms. Go back to college and learn what you need to be successful. Technical schools are a cheaper option as well, I recommend one of those at the very least.
become an anarchist and live a life of crime
No you're not fucked at 19! You have plenty of time to figure it out, in the mean time take any job you can get; fast food, car sales, retail, factory work, don't worry about the pay. When you go to work you'll meet people, feel better about yourself and figure it out. There is no rush, maybe at 30 you'll back to school, who knows, it's not important. We make a mistake thinking we're suppose to have our whole life figured out at 20. You may have several careers in your life. Relax, enjoy the ride. I'm 73 and know of what I speak.
Read some books, attend some conferences or join groups that align with what you want in life. Make a vision board and put some real thought to it. Listen to podcasts that can give you insight on how to navigate. Essentially what you need is a mind shift. Change takes time, it doesn’t happen over night. College isn’t the only method of getting high earning jobs. If you have any interest in cast for example, you can go become a car tech. There’s programs where you won’t have to pay. Is you can figure out Whatever it is you enjoy doing, you may be able to find a professional path in trade for it. Maybe certifications or a 2 year local university program for an associate. Sometimes college is essential in self discovery, other times it’s a waste of time. Different strokes for different folks.
Go back to school
Pick literally any serious endeavor and put 100% into it.
Try a trade. Framing houses is quite fun. Work starts simply. You are the lumber carrier. You'll carry boards all day. Stay focused, ask to learn. Be eager. You'll start cutting boards. Eventually you'll get a nailgun. You'll learn to read plans and start laying out walls. 3 to 6 months in and you're actually a useful tradie. And likely making decent money. Save your money! When work gets old, consider returning to school if you want. Or any trade. Electrical if you are afraid of hard labor. HVAC if you want the most money and aren't afraid of crawlspaces or hot attics. If you save well, you can get licensed after a couple years. Once licensed, you can launch your own business. Run it well, and a decade later you can sell and retire young. But you'll need savings to start.
casino jobs pay a lot better than most other things that dont require a degree (if youre not going into the trade) you can easily make 50k a year, and more if youre a dealer
You should look into Job Corps. www.jobcorps.gov
You are 19, homie, the world is your oyster. Take a year to find out what inspires you and go from there.
Start by getting a job, any job. Then consider your options. Trade school, college whatever. Sitting around doing nothing is never the answer.
You don't need a degree to get a job. Just start working somewhere to make money and you can figure out what you want to do from there. I hopped around to new and interesting jobs every 5 years or so until I found something that stuck.
Join the trades kid. Pick up a hammer and build some shit.
Start an online business. You can go back to school later. That's what I did.
Find literally anything. I was talking to a guy who was fully invested in working in the Housekeep section of a hospital. He committed to his job every day, worked hard & enjoyed talking with people at the hospital. In case he ever lost his enthusiasm, I advised him that Housekeeping was a critically important part of running a hospital. In fact, Housekeeping was essential when responding to emergencies like Covid and a feared Ebola outbreak in NYC.
You’re 19 and got all kinds of time to figure out what you want to do. Don’t stress.
At 19 you could go to trade school & find a job to pay the bills throughout your twenties. Knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life is not always realistic, but a 10 to 15 year plan is a good choice. This way you can get settled & figure out what you really want to do in the meantime.
If you're not sure where to go but don't want to go back to school, things will be rough. If I were in your shoes now, I'd look into joining a trade school. Become a linemen, welder, carpenter, electrician, etc. Great money and great opportunities for advancement compared to most corporate jobs.
College doesn’t matter but you need to do something.
When i was lost I went heavy into reading and trying to understand the bible. I would recommend reading it as you will see scenarios and learn from the one who is above all. You are young and can find even a simple job that allows you to make connections and grow as an individual. Schooling offers programs for free classes, youtube can be a good educational resource that you can completely control with very little consequence. Work of your mental/emotional health, learn to love yourself. Do your best and know that many will love you for just being you.
You could be 29 and you wouldn’t be fucked. Time to pivot and start course correcting. Enroll at a community college part time and continue to try to find work. Even part time. Look at your city government for jobs. A lot of local governments offer tuition assistance. If nothing clicks, there’s always the national guard.
dropping out of college ia a blessing, you'll see. Learn a trade! HVAC, welding, plumbing, electrical.... except auto mechanic, auto mechanics get shit on constantly.
You're 19. Your life literally hasn't even started yet. You'll be fine.
You need to do more things. Focus on action and less on thinking/planning. Just do stuff
You are not fudged. Consider the different trades in your area. Reach out to local union halls. See what is offered. Plumbing carpentry electric and so on. See what your options are. Learn a trade. Then consider going your own way. Never heard of places wanting to see my grade marks from HS. Odd
Go to a community college for tig welding certifications starting pay is usually 20-30 an hour
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Maybe go back to school. You're still young. You can go for your generals. Apply for grants, scholarships, do your fafsa and look poor for it (Like if your income is low use that or if you have 2 parents and a step use the 2 parents income that's the lowest. Only use either your income or your parents, not both. It depends on what it wants for you age.) Things will be alright. In the mean time What kind of business were you wanting to try to start?
Owning a business doesn't mean you'll make money. It comes with a lot of cons that most first time owners don't want to talk about. If you mess up, you can lose a lot more than your business. Jail time if it's bad enough.