5 answers
kay
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
6
Questions
Updated
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is it possible to still be suceful after dropping out of school and getting a GED?
is it possible to still be suceful after dropping out of school and getting a GED?
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5 answers
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
83
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hey Kay,
Success is driven by a combination of things like hard work and having the right opportunity at the right time. Having dropped out of school is not going to mean success is forever out of reach, but it does mean you might run into more hurdles to get to where you want to be. Additionally, success is subjective and it means different things to different people. A lot of people view success as being measured by how much wealth they have accumulated, but others view success as having a stable career and being around supportive family and friends.
Ultimately, you decide what success means to you. If you're still hoping to get back onto the academic route after completing your GED, it is absolutely something that can be done. I personally know two people who have done this--one of them graduated from college later in life and became a data analyst, the other ended up going to an Ivy League school.
If you do decide against the academic route, there are trade schools and other certificates you can aim for that could give you a little boost as you explore your career opportunities. I would encourage you to speak with someone from your local trade school to see if there is something that might be of interest to you.
One additional note: If you're still in school, I would highly encourage you to stay until you finish high school if you're able to. If there is something you're struggling with at school, it would be worthwhile to speak with your school's counselor and see what resources are available to you to help get you to the finish line.
Best of luck to you!
Success is driven by a combination of things like hard work and having the right opportunity at the right time. Having dropped out of school is not going to mean success is forever out of reach, but it does mean you might run into more hurdles to get to where you want to be. Additionally, success is subjective and it means different things to different people. A lot of people view success as being measured by how much wealth they have accumulated, but others view success as having a stable career and being around supportive family and friends.
Ultimately, you decide what success means to you. If you're still hoping to get back onto the academic route after completing your GED, it is absolutely something that can be done. I personally know two people who have done this--one of them graduated from college later in life and became a data analyst, the other ended up going to an Ivy League school.
If you do decide against the academic route, there are trade schools and other certificates you can aim for that could give you a little boost as you explore your career opportunities. I would encourage you to speak with someone from your local trade school to see if there is something that might be of interest to you.
One additional note: If you're still in school, I would highly encourage you to stay until you finish high school if you're able to. If there is something you're struggling with at school, it would be worthwhile to speak with your school's counselor and see what resources are available to you to help get you to the finish line.
Best of luck to you!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Absolutely, you can do it! Taking online courses or attending classes can really help you build your skills. Getting experience through jobs, whether paid or unpaid, will also boost your chances. Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn or at workshops and conferences can open up great opportunities. Starting a personal project like a blog, portfolio, or small business is a fantastic way to show off your skills and initiative. This can make you stand out even if you don't have a traditional diploma.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kay !
It most certainly is possible to find your success if you drop out of high school and go for a GED. It will all depend on what your plans are and how you would like to spend your time in the future. You might think of success as being happy with yourself and happy with what you are doing. Your definition of "success" is what matters, however.
Look at some people who have dropped out of high school, got their GED and went on to careers: Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage, Katy Perry, Chris Rock, Angelina Jolie, Mark Wahlberg, David Bowie, Prince, and Cher. There's also Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, and Jay-Z. The question is - what do you have planned for YOUR future and what are you willing to do to obtain it ? After getting their GED, many of these people did go to college.
We are living in a time in which there are very few jobs that a High School Diploma or GED would connect with. To help you decide if quitting high school and getting a GED is right for you, connect with an employment program at which you can get advice and discuss your specific circumstances. You can participate in the Mayor's Youth Commission, and Youth Volunteer Corps, which offer youth services and opportunities in Charleston, South Carolina.
If you decide to stop school and go for a GED, afterward, you can consider a Technical or Trade school where you live. Some to consider would be American College of the Building Arts, Trident Technical College Palmer Campus, Trident Technical College Mount Pleasant Campus, Palmetto Training, Charleston Adult Education Center, East Coast Polytechnic Institute, Miller-Motte Technical College, Southeastern College - Charleston, Citadel Military College of South Carolina, and the Charleston County School District - Career and Technology Education Center. There's always Homeschooling, too, but you and your parents would have to research it thoroughly as there's three ways to homeschool. It can be done even if both of your parents work full time.
Think about what may be motivating you, why you may want to stop going to school. Maybe trying a different high school will be a fresh new start. All schools are different and if you're having a time with any aspect of your school, discuss it with your parents and see if they would be in agreement to transfer you to a new school. Sometimes, drastic measures like quitting school do not solve anything. So really think it over and think about your future. Although people go back to school/college later on, it's very difficult when they have a full time job and family to take care of at that later age. It's much easier done right after high school.
No one can predict anyone's future as far as success, failure or anything. Life is about living and finding out as we go along, but you can make good choices now because it will greatly affect your life ten years from now.
I hope this helps and is something to think about. You would be working most of your life and you should enjoy it as it will be a large part of your life. Try not to make a quick decision and give it careful thought. You are deserving of the best future you can plan !
Best wishes in all you do !
It most certainly is possible to find your success if you drop out of high school and go for a GED. It will all depend on what your plans are and how you would like to spend your time in the future. You might think of success as being happy with yourself and happy with what you are doing. Your definition of "success" is what matters, however.
Look at some people who have dropped out of high school, got their GED and went on to careers: Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage, Katy Perry, Chris Rock, Angelina Jolie, Mark Wahlberg, David Bowie, Prince, and Cher. There's also Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, and Jay-Z. The question is - what do you have planned for YOUR future and what are you willing to do to obtain it ? After getting their GED, many of these people did go to college.
We are living in a time in which there are very few jobs that a High School Diploma or GED would connect with. To help you decide if quitting high school and getting a GED is right for you, connect with an employment program at which you can get advice and discuss your specific circumstances. You can participate in the Mayor's Youth Commission, and Youth Volunteer Corps, which offer youth services and opportunities in Charleston, South Carolina.
If you decide to stop school and go for a GED, afterward, you can consider a Technical or Trade school where you live. Some to consider would be American College of the Building Arts, Trident Technical College Palmer Campus, Trident Technical College Mount Pleasant Campus, Palmetto Training, Charleston Adult Education Center, East Coast Polytechnic Institute, Miller-Motte Technical College, Southeastern College - Charleston, Citadel Military College of South Carolina, and the Charleston County School District - Career and Technology Education Center. There's always Homeschooling, too, but you and your parents would have to research it thoroughly as there's three ways to homeschool. It can be done even if both of your parents work full time.
Think about what may be motivating you, why you may want to stop going to school. Maybe trying a different high school will be a fresh new start. All schools are different and if you're having a time with any aspect of your school, discuss it with your parents and see if they would be in agreement to transfer you to a new school. Sometimes, drastic measures like quitting school do not solve anything. So really think it over and think about your future. Although people go back to school/college later on, it's very difficult when they have a full time job and family to take care of at that later age. It's much easier done right after high school.
No one can predict anyone's future as far as success, failure or anything. Life is about living and finding out as we go along, but you can make good choices now because it will greatly affect your life ten years from now.
I hope this helps and is something to think about. You would be working most of your life and you should enjoy it as it will be a large part of your life. Try not to make a quick decision and give it careful thought. You are deserving of the best future you can plan !
Best wishes in all you do !
Myeshia Wells
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Myeshia’s Answer
Hi, Kay. Yes, it is possible. The greatest gift God ever gave us was our hearts and minds. You already have it in your heart to do better, that is, to complete at least 25% of the tasks. I am 49 years old. I dropped out of high school when I was in the 9th grade because of abuse. At twenty-three, I achieved my goal of a GED and ranked 2nd in my class. Moving slowly in life as I healed and overcame obstacles in other areas of my life, I now have a double major in social work and general studies, and on my way to opening an online resource center for those in need. You put your mind to it. Every single invention, every big corporation, every small business, every product, new and old, ALL began in the mind of the CEO. My advice to you is to go for it. The world is waiting.
Matt M
Auditor
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Kay,
There are people who dropped out of school and earned a GED have gone on to build successful careers and meaningful lives. A GED can open doors to college, trade programs, or jobs that require a high school equivalent. However, I would say that finishing school usually gives you more opportunities, structure, and support early on — things that will make it easier to reach your goals.
If someone does end up leaving school, getting a GED is an important step forward. It shows responsibility and a desire to keep improving. From there, continuing to learn, whether through college, training, or work experience, can still lead to success. But whenever possible, staying in school will give you the strongest foundation to build on.
There are people who dropped out of school and earned a GED have gone on to build successful careers and meaningful lives. A GED can open doors to college, trade programs, or jobs that require a high school equivalent. However, I would say that finishing school usually gives you more opportunities, structure, and support early on — things that will make it easier to reach your goals.
If someone does end up leaving school, getting a GED is an important step forward. It shows responsibility and a desire to keep improving. From there, continuing to learn, whether through college, training, or work experience, can still lead to success. But whenever possible, staying in school will give you the strongest foundation to build on.