For generations, parents have scrimped and sacrificed to provide a college education for their kids believing that it was the only way for them to get ahead. Yet the last few years have seen a much greater understanding that college isn’t for everybody, and that there are other options out there that will still produce the income and security that was once only considered possible with a college degree. There are plenty of alternatives to four years of college, and many of them are a proven better investment than a degree.
A Military Career
It seems that America is still adjusting to a post-draft military. When the armed forces became 100% volunteer, they were soon viewed as a refuge for the impoverished or the unemployable. However, all branches offer more than simply a productive use of time. There are many careers that military personnel can train for and work in during their active duty and/or reserve service. These include everything from aviation mechanics to nurses.
Vocational & Trade Occupations
Most jobs that require degrees focus on management, education, and health care. They’re often presented as the “easy” alternative to some manual labor, with the obvious connotation that it is beneath some people to work with their hands. The reality is that the heart of any economy is a robust manufacturing sector, and workers who have completed, for example, a customized welding program can find themselves positioned to do a variety of jobs that are recession-resistant and bring a good paycheck. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn an average of $40,240/yr. and don’t need anything more than a
Volunteer Service
The biggest hole in most resumes is experience, and many job-seekers struggle to overcome this hurdle. What many of them fail to consider is volunteer experience. Most entities that utilize volunteers require fewer qualifications than paying jobs, but they can provide invaluable experience that can help volunteers land an income-based career. Employers often favor relevant volunteer experience, such as when a paid fire department gives preferential hiring treatment to applicants who have served as volunteer firefighters.
Operating an Online Business
Many people struggle to find the right job to match their qualifications, and some of them ultimately reach the conclusion that they don’t have to worry about that if they start their own business. With the startup costs of a brick-and-mortar store no longer necessary, anyone with a good work ethic and some type of quality product or service can build a very lucrative career with an online business.
In a tight economy, it’s more important than ever for job-seekers to be creative and innovative in how they prepare themselves for a career. These four strategies can provide the opportunity to build a financially-sound future without the time and expense of a four-year degree.
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