Going Straight to the Workforce

First off, you need to consider the difference between a career and a job. A career has opportunities for you to advance with promotions, and therefore, increased earning potential. A job will only be able to pay the bills. If your work does not qualify as a career and is only a job, then you have to think carefully about your decision.

Second, you need to consider your living situation and how to pay the bills for it. Your parents can help for the first couple of years, but eventually, you will need to leave the care of your parents and live for yourself.

Third, consider taking the CTE classes at King to prepare yourself for your career. This could include DECA or Engineering, etc. In addition, take the ASVAB in your junior year to see where your talents and interests lie. There is a common misconception that the ASVAB is only for military enlistment purposes but that is incorrect. While the military does use ASVAB scores for job eligibility, its main purpose is to test where your skills and talents lie and the careers that use those skills.

After considering these options, and you feel committed to this decision, start writing those resumes, and find a job during your sophomore year. By getting the experience early on, entering the workforce after graduation will become much easier.

In addition to the civilian sector, the military is also an excellent place for young men and women to get a head start on life. In addition, NJROTC Cadets who complete at least 2 years in the program will enter the Navy as an E-2, while those who complete 3 years will enter the Navy and the Air Force as an E-3, and E-2 in the Army and Marine Corps. For more information, check out the Armed Services page under the Post-High School tab.