If you’re between the ages of 16 and 24 and feel lost about what to do with your life, you’re not alone. Many young men in the U.S. struggle to figure out their next steps after high school. They don’t know if they should join the military, learn a trade, or go to college. The pressure to choose the right path can feel overwhelming, and the fear of making the wrong choice can lead to doing nothing at all.
How Many Young Men Feel Lost
Studies show that career indecision is a growing issue for young men. A survey from Junior Achievement USA and The Hartford found that more than half of young adults put off making career decisions as they move from high school to college. Many delay taking action because they don’t know where to start or feel unprepared.
Millions of young men are also not in school or working. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that about seven million young men between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither employed nor in school. This can lead to years of wasted time, financial struggles, and a lack of purpose.
Without direction, young men risk waking up one day in their 30s or 40s, stuck in a job they hate, with no real skills, and regret the years they wasted. That’s why making a decision about your future now is so important.
Choosing a Path: Military, Trade, or College
You don’t need to have everything figured out today, but you do need a plan. Below are three solid career paths you can choose from, along with resources to help you get started.
Military
Joining the military is an option that provides structure, discipline, and career training. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it can be a life-changing experience.
Pros:
- The GI Bill helps pay for college or trade school after your service. You also get housing, food, and a paycheck while serving.
- The military teaches valuable skills that transfer into civilian careers.
- You build lifelong friendships and connections.
Cons:
- You sign a contract, usually four to six years. If you hate it, you can’t just quit.
- Military life can be stressful, especially in combat roles.
- While some stay for 20 or more years, most transition to civilian jobs after their service. However, the military often sets you up for a career in trades, law enforcement, government, or white-collar jobs.
Resources:
- Visit www.todaysmilitary.com to explore branches, job roles, and enlistment requirements.
- Check out the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force websites for direct recruitment info.
- The GI Bill website (www.benefits.va.gov/gibill) provides details on education benefits after service.
Learning a Trade
If you like working with your hands, fixing things, or building, a trade could be the perfect path. Trades include electricians, plumbers, welders, auto mechanics, HVAC technicians, and carpenters.
Pros:
- Many trade programs take less than two years to complete.
- Some trades pay $60,000 to $100,000 per year without a college degree, according to the New York Post.
- Trade jobs are in high demand and offer long-term job security.
Cons:
- Some trades require hard labor and working in tough conditions.
- You still need training, but it’s shorter than college.
- Some trades may require travel or working long hours.
Resources:
- Visit www.nccer.org (National Center for Construction Education & Research) to find trade schools and apprenticeships.
- The U.S. Department of Labor’s www.apprenticeship.gov lists registered apprenticeship programs.
- Trade-specific unions like IBEW (electricians) and UA (plumbers and pipefitters) provide training and job placement opportunities.
White-Collar Jobs (Office/Professional Work)
This category includes careers like business, finance, marketing, tech, law, and medicine. Most of these jobs require a college degree.
Pros:
- A college degree opens doors to many different jobs.
- College graduates earn about $1.2 million more over their lifetime than those without a degree, according to Campus Explorer.
- These jobs usually provide stable working conditions and benefits.
Cons:
- College tuition is expensive, and student loan debt can take years to pay off.
- A degree takes four or more years, and not all majors lead to good jobs.
- Many college graduates struggle to find jobs in their field.
Resources:
- Use www.collegeboard.org to explore colleges, majors, and scholarships.
- Visit www.bls.gov/ooh (Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook) to research job growth and salaries for different degrees.
- The website www.fastweb.com helps students find scholarships and grants to reduce tuition costs.
How to Build a Great Career (No Matter Which Path You Choose)
Once you choose a career path, the next step is taking action. Here are some tips to ensure success.
Military
- Pick a job that transfers to civilian life, such as IT, engineering, healthcare, aviation, or law enforcement.
- Use your GI Bill benefits after service to get a degree or trade certification.
- Stay disciplined. Military experience is valuable in leadership roles after service.
Trade
- Get certified. Many trades require licensing, so research what’s needed.
- Find an apprenticeship. Learning from an experienced tradesman is the best way to grow.
- Consider starting your own business after gaining experience.
White-Collar Jobs
- Choose your major wisely. Some degrees, like STEM and business, have higher job demand.
- Get internships. Hands-on experience will help you stand out in job applications.
- Develop skills beyond your degree. Employers look for communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Final Thoughts: Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset
If you’re a young man between 16 and 24, the most dangerous thing you can do is waste time.
Many men drift through their 20s with no plan, only to regret it later. You don’t want to be 30, broke, and stuck in a dead-end job. The best thing you can do is make a decision now and start working toward a career.
Take action today. Research careers that interest you. Talk to people in the field to learn more. Make a plan and commit to it.
It’s not about choosing a perfect path. It’s about choosing a direction and moving forward. Your future starts now.