Search online for information about your desired career, or talk to professionals working in that field. There is a good chance that anyone you talk to will tell you that you’ll need an education in order to enter that field. Note that the kind of education you will need may vary: some fields require formal college education, while others may lean more towards specialty training in the field. In the United States, only 27 percent of jobs available nationwide require less than a high school degree. By contrast, students who have graduated from high school are deemed qualified for 39 percent of jobs available nationwide. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Many people drop out of school thinking that they would rather work than be in school, but statistics show that the majority of high school dropouts are unemployed and have little or no source of income. [3] X Research source
People who have completed an advanced education typically make more money than people who have not gone to school. [5] X Research source For example, in the United States, median weekly earnings in 2014 for people with only a high school diploma were $751 (men) and $558 (women). [6] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source In contrast, the median weekly earnings for people with least a bachelor’s degree were $1385 (men) and $1049 (women) in 2014. For people with an advanced degree, the median weekly wage was even higher: $1630 (men) and $1185 (women). [7] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Having a high school diploma dramatically increase the chances of earning a job over high school dropouts. That number continues to rise as students pursue higher education through college and graduate school. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
People who have completed an advanced education often have more and better opportunities available to them because of their education. [10] X Research source Even if you have not completed a high school diploma, completing vocational training (education emphasizing a particular trade, such as electrician) will likely increase your income level and ability to find a job. [11] X Research source If you have a high school education and vocational training, you are a much more attractive candidate for jobs.
Employers look for educational achievements. Even having a high school degree will reduce the risk of unemployment and increase the average lifetime earnings of most working adults. [13] X Research source In the United States, 54 percent of high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 24 are unemployed. For high school graduates, that number decreases to 32 percent of people in the same age bracket, and it decreases even further to 13 percent of college graduates. [14] X Research source
College graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $1. 64 million dollars more than high school dropouts over the course of a lifetime. High school graduates earn an average of $429,280 more than high school dropouts over the course of a lifetime. [16] X Research source Having an education (and subsequently getting a better job) may make people less likely to commit crimes for fear of losing what they’ve worked for. [17] X Research source The average high school dropout in America has a one in 10 chance of being arrested, whereas the average high school graduate only has a one in 35 chance of being arrested. [18] X Research source Some studies suggest having an education can also make people more patient, and therefore less likely to be overcome by anger or violent tendencies. [19] X Research source
Young men who graduate high school statistically live an average of seven years longer than male high school dropouts. Young women who graduate high school live an average of six years longer than female high school dropouts. Young men who graduate college statistically live an average of 13 years longer than male high school dropouts, and an average of six years longer than male high school graduates who do not go to college. Young women who graduate college live an average of 12 years longer than female high school dropouts, and an average of six years longer than female high school graduates who do not go to college.
Some studies suggest that simply earning an education, regardless of subsequent income or job contentment, helps people have better mental health later in life. [22] X Research source
Flow, a term used to describe meaningful and satisfying absorption in a task, is often associated with educational advancement. In other words, having an education may help you find hobbies or passions that give you a sense of fulfillment. Many schools encourage flow, whether intentionally or not, by offering a stimulating learning environment and meaningful extracurricular activities to students who might not otherwise have those opportunities. [24] X Trustworthy Source Edutopia Educational nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and celebrating classroom innovation Go to source
