Leaving school: what can I do next?

The world is your oyster (they say). The first day of your new life starts now (they say). You have your whole life in front of you (they say)…. Leaving school can be really exciting but it can also be a little daunting. If you’re about to leave school and you’re not sure what you want to do next, don’t worry. Read on for post-school options and for tips on how to find your way. 

What shall I do now school has finished?

First things first, we want you to know how incredibly normal it is not to know what you want to do after leaving school. Sure, some people leave the womb knowing they’re going to be an artist or a nurse, but for most of us it takes a bit of figuring out. And that’s ok!

To begin your journey, ask yourself the following questions. You can use your answers to guide your decision or you can share them with a parent, carer or careers advisor to see if they have any wise ideas. 

What are you interested in and what do you care about? 

Is there something you really love doing or something you are particularly interested in? This can be anything from cooking to climate change. Note down the things that come to mind and explore how this could translate to a career or studying opportunity. 

What’s important to you right now?

Are you all about having fun with your friends right now, are you desperate to make some money or are you looking for a challenge? Your answer will likely be a combination of things and that’s ok. 

What is your priority for the future? 

How do you imagine your life in 5-10 years’ time? You don’t need to know exactly what you’ll be doing. But consider whether you’d like a career, if you’d like to buy a home, travel, have children, change the world, live close to your family (or all of the above). Perhaps your greatest priority is simply being happy.

What don’t you want to do? 

Sounds like a silly question, but by working out what you definitely don’t want to do, you can narrow down your options.

Some options to consider… 

Apprenticeships and paid internships 

This is a great way for you to explore your options and build on your skills while making a bit of cash. Whether you’re interested in marketing, construction, hairdressing, banking or politics (you can pick pretty much anything) there will be an apprenticeship out there for you. Search for apprenticeships here, get in touch with Apprentice Nation or simply approach the organisation or company you’re interested in and ask. Read our article on apprenticeships for more information.

Volunteering

If you’re interested in having a caring job or you want to work in the not-for-profit sector, volunteering can be great and it occasionally leads to paid work. Take a look at Do It Org for volunteer opportunities across the UK. As volunteer positions aren’t paid, you’ll need to consider how you’ll support yourself while doing it. Most volunteer positions are part-time, giving you the option to work alongside your volunteering. Make sure you claim back any expenses such as travel costs. See our volunteer roles here.

Go travelling

If you’re feeling the need to spread your wings after finishing school, travelling is a great option. It’s an opportunity to learn about different cultures, meet new people and make memories to tell the grandkids about. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to travel, you could consider working abroad. Find yourself a job in a bar or hostel or take a look at Workaway, WOOFing and AuPair.com.  

Start a business 

Got a great idea for a business? Now could be a good time to explore it further. For support and guidance with your idea, take a look at the Prince’s Trust and if you have an idea for a social enterprise or charity, take a look at The School for Social Entrepreneurs. 

Start your first job  

Some people will be itching for independence and to have their own money. If you’re looking for something beyond bar work, get in touch with your local recruitment agency. Ask them about entry level jobs and they’ll be able to support you. Before getting in touch, make sure your CV is looking shipshape (tips here!) and have at think about what you might want to do for a job. 

University 

An obvious suggestion we know, but we couldn’t miss it out. University is an amazing opportunity to further your education, experiment with living away from home and meet new (potential life long) pals. But it isn’t for everyone and you shouldn’t feel pressure to go if it doesn’t feel right for you. If you’re keen to go but are concerned about the cost, take a look at our articles on student loans and how much it costs to be a student.

I still haven’t got a clue what I want to do!

If none of the options above are calling you, don’t worry. Perhaps for now you need to focus on having a break from school, find some low pressure work and do the things that make you feel good. When you’re ready, try speaking to a careers advisor or to the people around you about your options. You could also take a look at the government National Careers Service, which offers advice on developing skills, gaining work experience and exploring career options. 

Whatever you decide, it’s important to remember this first step into the wild won’t necessarily determine the rest of your life. If you start something and it doesn’t feel right, you can always change your mind.