INTRODUCTION
In most parts of the world today, it is believed that formal education is the key to financial success. For this reason, we all strive to leave many things behind to pursue formal education in school settings.
When we get to school, we find out that getting a certificate is not as easy as we thought it would be. We have to adapt in certain ways to make things work. Sometimes, for some people, this means abandoning their preferred career paths.
AFTER SCHOOL: THE REALITY
After school comes the reality; going to school does not guarantee financial success, it just increases the probability. What I mean by that is that, the school is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in life. This skills and knowledge gained do not guarantee that one would succeed in life, but then, it makes it easier for one to work towards achieving financial success. Financial success at this point is dependent on how well one can make use of these skills and knowledge gained from school. What we have learnt in school should force a change in us that would make us better person. That is the main goal of education.
CHOOSING BETWEEN PAID EMPLOYMENT AND SELF EMPLOYMENT
For countries with stable economies and good welfare for workers, paid employment (either public or private) is a wonderful experience. You get to meet people of like minds and work with them in a conducive environment while you all make some gains, employers and employees alike. The pay is usually worth the energy and time input so financially, it is a viable option.
In countries like this, it is always advisable to secure a job working for the government or a private organization. One can then proceed to set up a business with capital generated "on the job". This will ensure that earnings come steadily from multiple sources of income and then one can have financial security before and after retirement.
In countries where the economy is not so buoyant, wages and salaries form both public and private establishments tend to be insignificant when compared to the amount of work one would have to do. In extreme conditions, one might have to work for no pay.
In situations like this, it is always advisable to start a small business with whatever capital one can get either from loans, grants, donations or personal savings. Working for insignificant pay takes up the time one can use to build up one's self personally and would never lead to financial success. One would have to be self employed and try as much as possible to keep expanding the business. Most multi-million dollar companies today started that way. If you can't handle a business alone, team up with people of like minds to help, but make sure you set boundaries where necessary.
Discalimer: This post is based on my personal opinion. It is supposed to help you think when making decisions about what to do after school. Your decisions are yours to make.
