I received a question in an email a few weeks ago and I thought it might be helpful to discuss some answers for this person’s situation in our newsletter.  Perhaps some of our readers can relate to this young man’s situation and could give him some ideas.

Well, David, it looks like you’re in a difficult position.  You’re going to need to set some goals, prioritize and then make it happen.  The first and most important thing you need to realize is this can be a temporary situation.  If you take the steps I suggest you will be able to overcome these difficulties.  Look at the big picture, which is the rest of your life.  This situation is just a small part of a whole life.  Don’t expect to get out of this quickly, or easily.  If you’re patient and determined, you’ll be able to succeed.

First and foremost, you need to get a job to support yourself.  I don’t know what kind of skills or personality you currently possess, so I’ll make a few broad suggestions.  Use the ones that apply to you the best.  There are only two types of jobs out there:  those that give you additional income and responsibility based on how long you’ve worked there (tenure) and those that give you additional income based on how well you work (merit). 

Since you’re pressed for time and have a need for more money, I would suggest you get a job that will reward you based on effort.  Jobs that pay commissions or tips are a good start and some of these won’t require a high school diploma.  Try and find a job as a waiter, a caterer or in retail sales.  Your lack of a diploma may prevent you from being hired at a major company, so look for local companies or small companies that you can convince to hire you even on a trial basis.

Another option is to find a job where you can learn a skill that interests you and you may be able to freelance on the side.  Some examples include working as an assistant in a small office, construction work, landscaping, automotive repair, auto body repair or even in a law office or accounting office.  When you get hired, make sure you work hard, show up on time and do a good job.  These traits will earn you more money and more responsibility.

Once your job is in place, focus on your education.  You’ll need to get that GED as soon as your finances in order.  Obtaining that diploma will be a stepping stone to a better job.  I don’t know how far you made it in high school, or how good of a student you are, but passing the GED test may be as simple as buying a study guide, or as difficult as taking classes. 

You can take study classes for the GED at adult high schools, community colleges or other locations.  Several GED web sites offer sample questions to help you decide how much preparation you will need to take the GED tests. Visit the Center for Adult Learning at www.acenet.edu or the PBS GED site at www.pbs.org/literacy/ged/gedhome.html or the California GED site at www.cde.ca.gov/ged.  Having a GED is a necessary requirement to receive Federal financial aid.

Once you have that GED, now you can look at your college options.  Hopefully, your experience working will have given you some ideas about what you want to do, or don’t.  Take a look at the Top-Colleges series of articles on how to pay for college.