High school dropouts: Get GED, consider high-potential trades like elevator mechanic.
The discussion for a high school dropout nearing 18 shows a clear agreement on the following:
Key Qualifications:
- GED (General Educational Development test) / High School Diploma: Repeatedly highlighted as the absolute minimum requirement to qualify for most legal and formal job opportunities.
Better Job Opportunities & Career Paths:
- Skilled Trades: Specifically, "Elevator Mechanic" was noted as a career path with high earning potential, suitable for those who may not pursue a traditional college route. This suggests that apprenticeships and vocational training are highly valuable.
Resume/Application Direction:
- Prioritize obtaining a GED: This is the most critical first step to broaden employment prospects.
- Explore skilled trades: Investigate apprenticeships or entry points into trades like elevator mechanics, especially if seeking high earning potential without a college degree.
Expected Benefits:
- GED: Unlocks access to a significantly wider range of legitimate job opportunities and better pay compared to informal ("under the table") work. It also provides a foundation for further training or education.
- Skilled Trades (e.g., Elevator Mechanic): Offers the potential for high income, job security, and acquiring a valuable, in-demand skill set.
Origin Reddit Post
r/jobs
im a highschool drop out and need advice on work
Posted by u/BadSpare3868•05/28/2025
this is embarrassing to talk about and i dont know if this is the right place to talk about it.
im a highschool drop out, i was lost for a while.
took a year off and now im soon to be 18. i
Top Comments
u/BadSpare3868
thank you.
i actually tried security guard. seemed perfect for me but sadly they dont hire rn. apperantly they got too many already.
but thank you so much for your advice.
i will take this wi
u/Particular-Peanut-64
Get your GED.
Minimum requirement to get hired.
u/Ordinary-Beautiful63
Gotta get your GED ASAP! That's just to qualify for majority of the legal jobs out here. You do not want to be stuck working under the table(tax free) because you will always be underpaid. Th
u/OkPerspective2465
1. Go to the local education board or adult education center
Check their website
Find out how many credits you're away from your hsd, or g.e.d.
Your young enough it should pick up and you
u/WayTooReskie
Hello!
Not embarrassing, many people drop out of school for many reasons. I don't find it acceptable to judge someone based on their educational history, teenage pregnancy, or social ability
u/BadSpare3868
thank you. i will take this with me.
u/WayTooReskie
If you happen to see my comment, I like to suggest this career path to younger people.
Elevator mechanic.
If I was younger, I wish I would have made the switch to that. Potential to make a