This is a monumental moment in your life. You have graduated high school and are on to the next chapter of your life. This is the part of the novel that you get to write. You get to “choose your own adventure,” so to speak. However, there are a lot of voices out there telling you what you should do, your mom, your dad, your brother or sister, your boyfriend/girlfriend, your grandparents, your guidance counsellor or teacher. The question remains, what do you want to do? Hopefully this blog helps clarify what you should do, now that you’ve graduated.

Most people will tell you, “You need to go to university or post-secondary.” And while there is much value to secondary education, you can spend a lot of money doing it. It’s very important to know what schooling is right for you so you can focus your $$$ in the right direction. Jumping into “Med School” or “To be a lawyer” or “Teacher” sounds like the right and “responsible” thing to do, but if 3 years in, you feel like it’s not for you, that is a lot of time and money spent in a direction that may not be beneficial to you.

Getting a job is always a good idea. Even if it is part time or an intern role. Getting some on the job experience can help add to your resume, no matter what job field you may wish to enter. If you can get a job in an area that you enjoy, this can help you decide if this is something you are passionate about and wish to pursue further, and you’ll likely be getting paid for doing it. Then you can apply for additional education to further advance yourself into a more promising career.

Volunteering, travelling or working abroad. You’ll need to have some savings to do this, but working abroad or volunteering can be an amazing way to find out what your calling is. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from our bubble we have lived in, to see what is out there. There are many groups to connect with that will do volunteer work in countries all over the world. If you still want to earn a paycheck while travelling, you can apply for a “working visa” and get paid in a country that you wish to explore. Travelling the world really helps broaden your perspective and helps you grow with more life experience. Take photos, start a blog and remember what you learned during your travels.

Investing in your passion. Whether you love painting, writing, acting, playing basketball or the piano. This is a time where you need to invest in what gives you energy and makes you happy. What you love to do. There will be plenty of time to work when you’re older and have more responsibilities. For example, if you love sailing or rock climbing. Try getting certified in those fields and lead hikes up mountains to rock climb or take tourists on sailing trips. This is a time to do what you love while you have the time and flexibility to do it. You may be putting “life” on hold, but these experiences can not be replaced. These are the stories you’ll be telling your friends, and likely your kids, for years to come.

There are so many options out there, being a nanny, doing research projects, or becoming an entrepreneur. What works for you, only you will know. Find out what you’re passionate about and figure out how you can make a living out of it. The one thing we want out of this world is happiness, and it doesn’t always come easy, so find out what sparks that in you and work your butt off to attain it.