I went to college right after HS, I wish I didn't, biggest waste of money ever. I wasn't sure about my career choice and it has stung me ever since. My biggest suggestion is enjoy your life after HS and make sure what you want to do is actually what you want to do. For example, asking others who work in your field of interest about their careers. Remember your only 19 (or 18?). You have plenty of life ahead of you. Schooling is an option that is always available.

^ Yea, taking a year off > wasting time/money/energy doing random crap at school

the hard part is finding what you like

HOW DID YOU GET A JOB AT A CALL CENTER WTF. I bet the pay is better than min wage. Find your passion and decide promptlyssince it's your final year in secondary, but also venture into adulthood.
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I decided to go back to school right after high school. I wanted to get into BCIT's automotive program but ultimately decided against it after careful consideration. Although I am a very passionate automotive enthusiast, I want a career that can support my numerous costly hobbies, not career that IS my hobby, but not necessarily make a decent income.

There are some who are sure of what they want, and others who don't. I was one of those who knew what I wanted right out of high school and decided to follow it. Getting into politics and/or law are my final goals, so UBC was the school for me.

Though, I will admit that I should've taken a year off to work and travel...

I dont necessarily LOVE my work but I do enjoy and it is fulfilling. I needed higher education to get to where I am today.

What I regret is taking one year off to work and "find myself" which never really came. Just lit a fire under my ass to get school done with.

I went right into University after high school. I think I thought your were just supposed to, so I did. But if I were to think it through, I think taking a year off at least is a better call, unless you REALLY know what you want to pursue.

What was useful about University for me was that I found what I DIDN'T want to do, which is equally useful. I was able to try things that interested me, and found out I didn't want to pursue them. For example, I kept my options open in high school to pursue Sciences; while finding them really cool, I didn't feel the drive to pursue them.

What I will say about post-secondary is this: if an exchange program is offered, DO IT. Get away from here. Live abroad. Experience life from the point of view of another country. It will shape you into a much better person. I lived in Paris for a year, and turned 21 there. Best year of my life, and I made friends all over the world who I still stay in touch with.

Can't say I'm using my degree now, though I'm beginning to succeed at my dream, after taking this long to hone in. I may not make as much as others my age (30), but I'm really happy doing what I do, and I know I'm good at it.

And that's satisfying. but it took a decade of discovery and exploration to find it. You might be luckier and find out much sooner, but I have no regrets, because I have a life full of one of a kind experiences.

Its been 4 years since i graduated hs and in that time i sat on my ass for 1 year after graduating, then went to vcc for a year, then worked in a vegetable plant for 1 year, and now working in a body shop. I'm now deciding whether i want to pursue a career in auto body or go back to school for computer programming. If i were to do it again, i wouldve just went straight to uni after hs. But you have plenty of time to decide, i know a couple guys from hs that still havent done shit!

I have no clue what to do either :okay:

Can't get into UBC or SFU cause of low-ish marks

Original plan was to go to BCIT for Auto Tech but I like cars and working on them but i dont want to do that every single day.

Now plan is to go into Langara for business with 2 of my best buddies then transfer to UBC/SFU. Not sure if this is the best idea because as most people say HS friends will slowly lose connection in post-secondary. Don't want to be stranded alone in business

You won't be stranded alone in business if you don't want to be. You'll have so many classmates just start making friends.

Plus business usually has networking and like events involved so there's your chance.

Some of the advices I see here scare me.

those who are having troubles dealing with post secondary and what to do with life, PM me, i had the honour of being taught by the BEST teacher IMO and he has sent my set in particular a slide that is exactly how OP is feeling and how to respond to it

The amount of advice on this thread is overwhelming lmao... If OP was ever unsure of what to do before, all this thread did was deep him a bigger hole... hahahaha


Honestly dude you have to read each of these comments with a grain of salt. Everyone has different personalities, capabilities, etc...

Based on your description of yourself, I would strongly recommend you go to post secondary right out of high school. It is VERY difficult to get motivated in school when you've done jack shit for a year or two. Second, relax... Enjoy the university life... Go to a few parties, meet some new people, take some courses you'd never normally consider. The great thing about university is you have to take electives in your first years that are credible towards any degree. Take some courses, see what you like. Make sure to only take like 2-4 courses in your first semester just to make sure you have the hang of it. Doing bad can cause you to have a shitty attitude towards post-secondary education and may hurt you further down the road. Also, make sure you start trying right away. Even though it seems like grades don't matter anymore, they sure will when you decide having a bachelors degree doesn't cut it anymore.

Even though traveling seems appealing, it is probably not the best option. You will have a lot of time after you graduate to choose whichever path you think is best for you, and that will include time for traveling. Regardless, just relax and enjoy the best years of your life.. (That's what most people say anyways)

Thats inspirational and all but I just wish someone told me one thing back when I was in high school. Capitalize on all those girls who are down to f. Thinking back.. man.. so many of them.. and what did I place too much value on? Hanging with the boys.. so many wasted opportunities.. what an idiot! :facepalm:

For the record, no post secondary, make a good wage, essentially pick my own hours. Have a nice home, beautiful wife and children. I'm a happy camper and don't think there is one right path to take. Everyone is different, do what feels right for you.

girls girls girls
i think master roshi also echoed these sentiments
but yes capitalize!

one of the greatest parts about high school and post secondary is the amount of females surrounding you....and at such a curious age

do what makes you happy. fuck what anyone else says.

be like strykn, become a day trader and get jacked

/mirin

Life after high school is mostly about sitting around at your parent's house, and when they get annoyed, you go to the park. Oh yeah, and you hang out with the rest of your buddies who don't have a job or school to go to.

THIS!! story of my life:okay:

^the grass is always greener on the other side

Still in high school
:accepted:

Then take my advice and get 'er done. Pun intended.

after highschool i decided to just work and make some money.. when i turned 20 i decided i wanted to be an autobody tech so i went to vcc and did their 8 month program. After that i got into a bodyshop working as a detailer to start and realized that body techs dont make much money for the work they do. i ended up getting out of detail and working in the parts department then i got a few promotions along the way and three years later im an estimator at the body shop. i dont mind my job its pretty slack and the money is awesome.

I would like to thank you all for your responses! holy shit...

I'm not exactly the richest guy, just a kid living in Coquitlam in your typical middle class family. Money isn't a huge issue - but prices for University tuition are pretty absurd! Whatever money I would use for travelling I usually put into my car or save up haha. However I've been travelling to different Countries... and different states throughout high-school during summer vacation, and in Oct 2012 I spent some time in San-Fran. I know travelling with family isn't exactly the same, but I spent quite a lot of time on my own during these vacations! Doing some travelling this summer as well.

As mentioned, it is true to take each piece of advice with a grain of salt. I realize everyone here is different but I was just curious to what some people have opted for after HS. Some of your responses have sparked some serious interest for me! As for grades, I'm doing my best! really stepped it up this year to open more doors in the future - however I didn't take Chemistry or Physics this year because I knew it just wasn't me. I took more business related courses, such as a business math, and entrepreneurship. I took courses like Social justice and Law because I'm also interested in becoming involved in the Police force. As mentioned by LP700-4, I too didn't want to let my hobby become my job. I just couldn't see myself turning wrenches for the rest of my life.

As for being "Social" and "Out going" after University - I couldn't agree more. There are so many opportunities and relationships to be embraced that I have made my self as outgoing and social as possible. I never really was the shy kid that was insecure as fuck throughout highschool. I fuckin love wheeling girls hahahahahahaha.

I feel really secure knowing that people have completely changed their degree / choices in university down the road. Thanks a lot guys, you have know idea how helpful you guys have been. I'll try and reply more specifically to some responses as I read over the thread again.