Thinking About a Career as a High School Dropout?
Have you ever thought about droppig out of high school? There are lots of things to consider before chucking your backpack for what you believe to be the good life. A group of 533 youth from across the state of Kansas were asked a variety of questions regarding their decision to drop out of school. The final question, "Is there anything you want to share with students who are thinking about dropping out?" brought about some insightful comments.
Take a look at the actual verbiage from young Kansans who bailed before the final bell:
“When I dropped out I thought it would be cool and I would get to do everything I wanted but then when I was 25 I realized I don't have a job and the best jobs require you to have a high school diploma.”
“Do it if you want, but later in life you’ll realize flipping patties can turn into a lifetime job without a diploma.”
“There are always places to go to get your high school diploma if you aren't happy where you are attending.”
“It is so hard now a days to get a good paying, reliable job with benefits for you and your family without a diploma. It is so much easier to stay ahead than fall behind and have to go back to start it all over.”
“Fight for your diploma and just stay in school. It’s not worth living a dead end job trying to fight to put food on the table and a roof over your head. NEVER GIVE UP.”
“It is a big mistake. I am 26 and working on my diploma now so I can provide a better life for my children, because I can’t get a job that has benefits and pays good without having to work all the time.”
“It will be all fun and games at first, but you will not get a good job and if you do get a job it will not be the one you want and you will be so easy to replace.”
“Don’t do it because it’s not worth it. It will keep you out of trouble and you will have a better life.”
“Dropping out will hold you back on many things you might possibly wish to do. I realize the typical high school is not for everyone but there are many alternatives to getting your diploma.”
“If it feels like you’re going through hell just keep moving. Everything will get better before you know it.”
“Finish school. It is actually very important for your future. If you have bullies at your school, just ignore them. Do your best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Don’t do it. You have to think of your future. What will your job be like? What will your children think?”
“You’ll get bored sitting at home everyday and wish you wouldn't have dropped out.”
“Don’t do it, because when everyone is out handling their business you are the one looking dumb. And everyone else will be out here making money while you are asking and begging them for some.”
“I am 29 years old and still trying to get mine so that I can take care of myself and three kids. So I would advise you not to do it. Have patience. Tell who ever is hating to keep hating. Don’t let anyone bring you down.”
“Life may be easy to you right now but later on your education is all you have to be someone in life.”
“Think about it. The economy is down. It’s getting hard enough to the point where you can’t even get a job at McDonald’s without a diploma. Stick in there. Handle your business. Go to school.”
“Make sure this is really what you want to do. I miss high school. I didn’t get to go to prom, more social than anything. I don’t regret what I did, but I miss it now”
“If you have a problem with a current school try to find a better solution, maybe another school closer to you. Never drop out because someone is out there that cares.”
“Don’t do it. Especially if you are as close as I was. I only needed 2.5 credits. No matter what your circumstances are find a way to continue your education, preferably without dropping.”
“If you have a good enough reason and you feel like there is no way to get past it then go for it. But you better be ready for the real world.”
“Find a way to make it work. Once you drop out and start working full-time, it’s very hard to go back.” “No matter what, just stay in school, because it is really hard to get a good job.”
“I think school is very important if you want to be successful and have a good life.” “There ain’t no reason for dropping out”
“In the economy these days even a high school diploma is not going to be the best to support a are going to need at least a Bachelor’s in college.”“Don’t do it. Education is great and it will get you money. You won’t regret it.”
“Don’t do it. School is more important than friends. Although friends are there now; they will leave you when they don't need you.”
“Do what you feel is best for you. Don’t do something just because people want you to. It’s your life”
“Think twice. You might not regret it now but in the long run you will regret dropping out. Stay in school and finish your education. Nothing is more important than finishing high school”
“It’s not worth it. It’s so much easier to stay in school and just do your best and get it done! It’s all worth it in the long run. Trust me!”
“Don’t drop out. It will change your life and not for the good.”
“Just finish it and get it over with. Take it from me, you’ll regret it even if you have great things going for you now. Not everything lasts like we think it will. A high school diploma can at least keep you in work.”
“Once you do it, it is really hard to get a job that will support you and your family.”
The words of the students require no other comments from me.
Lori Hopp, GCDF
**KansasYouth Survey Results: Statewide Snapshot - 2010
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