You matriculated – what now?

You have just spent twelve years in school and now it is time to face the real world. Leaving high school can be scary, especially if you are not sure what you want to do, but there is a lot you can do.

While some people already have their lives planned out and have chosen their universities, colleges or career options, not everyone is like that. There are a lot of options to keep you busy when you first leave matric. Even if you are taking a break, it is important to be productive. You can’t just sit at home and do nothing now that you have left high school – you need to find something to help you in life.

Here are a few things you can do after you have matriculated:

•Study – If you haven’t been accepted into a university or college, or you haven’t applied but would still like to study, there are other options. Several correspondence and online colleges offer short- and long-term courses to help you pursue your passion. Look at courses that will suit your needs for the career you would like to follow, or even do one for fun. You can do photography, writing, and art courses just because you want to. The courses are also affordable, so there is no need to worry about money if you find the right one.

•Gain work experience – many places do not hire full-time workers without a degree, but you can find some if you look hard enough. You can also use the spare time you will have now to get a part-time job which can help you raise money for what you want to do. Become a waiter or waitress, do tutoring, find anything that will keep you busy and help you get a bit of extra cash until you figure out your next step; whether it be moving, studying or finding a permanent job.

•Internships – many companies offer internships for matriculants. These internships will help you gain valuable work experience for the career you are hoping to pursue.

•Gap Year – if you would like to take a year off from studying and are not ready to work, then take a gap year. There is no shame in it, as long as it only lasts a year. Use the time to find out more about yourself and explore your passions, but do not just sit around and do nothing, otherwise there is no point.

You can keep busy during your gap year by travelling, volunteering at charity organisations like animal shelters, reading, or starting a blog. If you are interested in writing and are looking for something to do, a blog is a great way to keep productive. There are a lot of free sites that are easy to navigate and will help you learn the basics of blogging.