Hello everyone,
Leaving school is one of those moments that feels exciting and scary at the same time exciting because you finally have the freedom to step into the real world without uniforms, bells, or strict teachers watching your every move scary because now, your life is fully in your hands nobody will be giving you assignments to submit, and nobody will be chasing you to study you will have to decide what to do with your time, your money, and your future.
If i am to give advice to someone leaving school today, here’s 8 things I would say:
Understand that life after school is different from school life
In school, things are structured you have a timetable, fixed holidays, and a clear routine out here, there’s no fixed timetable unless you create one for yourself you have to be disciplined enough to manage your own time and make wise decisions without anyone standing over you.
Learn skills real, practical skills
Your certificate is good, but it’s not enough too many graduates are holding their degrees and still searching for jobs years later the truth is the job market is tough and even if you get a job, it may not pay enough that is why I always advise people to learn a skill it could be digital skills like graphic design, social media management, programming, or copywriting it could also be physical skills like baking, fashion design, photography, or carpentry Something you can do that will bring in money without waiting for an employer.
Be ready to start small
One mistake many people make after school is waiting for the “perfect” job or opportunity the truth is, you might have to start small maybe a job that doesn’t pay much or a business that looks humble Don’t let pride stop you from gaining experience The important thing is to start, learn, and grow from there.
Build connections
In school, your network was your classmates and lecturers outside, your network will include people in your industry, business owners, community leaders, and even online contacts be open to meeting new people and keeping in touch with them sometimes opportunities don’t come from your certificate but from who knows you and what you can do.
Manage your money wisely
When you start earning money, whether from a job or a business, learn how to manage it don’t start competing with people who have been working for years save, invest in your skills, and avoid unnecessary spending many young people waste their first few years of income on clothes, phones, and parties, then wonder why they are still broke.
Keep learning
Leaving school doesn’t mean you stop learning the world is changing fast, and new opportunities keep coming up read books, take online courses, watch educational videos, and stay updated in your field The more you know, the more valuable you become.
Take care of your character
Skills and certificates can open doors, but bad character can close them quickly be honest, be reliable, and treat people with respect your reputation will follow you everywhere you go, so guard it well.
Be patient and stay consistent
Life after school is not a sprint it is a marathon raise Some people may succeed faster than you, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing focus on your own journey, keep improving yourself, and your time will come.
In short, my advice is simple be disciplined, keep learning, work hard, and stay humble the real world is full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities for those who are ready to grab them.
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