I need help in choosing a non-college degree career?
Asked by Leo B
Can anyone offer any advice? I'm 26 yrs old, I have a GED, and I'm basically an unskilled worker. I am an American btw, born and raised (not white, although I look it). I'm a fast learner, and I feel confident in my ability to handle any job. I'm sure many of you will suggest that I go to college. I am all for that, unfortunately due to my economic situation, full time school is just not possible. Basically what I'm looking for is a trade that can be learned in 6 months to a year, or a job that I can get into now. I'm low maintenaince, 35-40k a year is enough for me. I just don't want to be stuck with dead end jobs for the rest of my life....sigh The only jobs that I've been able to get is security, or warehouse worker, retail, or worst of all mickey ds and the like (when I was a kid it was fine but now just not something I look forward to doing it). You know, I should go back to school, but I'm afraid it may be to late. What after I graduate? Do I become a 30 yr old intern

Best Answer:
I think college is really overrated these days. Too many people with degrees (and advanced degrees) and they have the same problems finding employment. There are so many trades you can learn within a year, and as you build experience over time, you will be more in demand. Plumbers can make 60,000+ a year in many states. Try this website for suggestions and see what interests you http://www.trade-schools.net/directory/trade-schools-directory.asp
Dad was a plumber
Answered by glovzz

Check with a local technical college, many of them have now set up 3 month classes that can teach all kinds of jobs. At a local one near me I could take classes for medical receptionist (or administrator, whichever makes you feel better), forklift operator, teaching assistant and quite a few others. I've heard welding would be a good job (if you can deal with the heat), and starting pay to my understanding is at least $17 per hour (oftentimes even more than that). These seem to fit what you want, if it doesn't the only other thing I can suggest is to learn to be happy with what you got. You consider the jobs you've had dead-end because they don't come with the prestige you want, but jobs like security guard and janitor and retail are all necessary jobs central to a working economy. In these jobs you are a necessary part of society, so don't look down on them. Businesses can't run without someone to do some selling (or product in stock), no one wants to go into a business that is dirty, and businesses go out of business if people keep stealing from them. You can help in all of these areas in your current situation.
Answered by jesito_sascec

Without having to spend money for training: Car salesman (you can at some point work up to a management position) Car rental. Medical Billing (start in any medical office/facility reception area and move up) Retail store management pays well but the hours are not so great but you can move up from any job within the store. I have been told Starbucks is a great company to work for. What about a management position with Micky D"s? Regardless, if you do not have a degree, you are going to have to start in an entry level position and work your way into management. Anything you have a talent for that you can turn into $$$. Personal trainer, crafter (woodworking), computer skills (you can learn about computers by yourself by trial, error and books) Teller at a bank (you can go on from there) There are companies that will pay for you to go to college. Ask around. Good luck
Answered by lilygateau