The Benefits of Earning Your GED – Why It Matters
Many teens drop out of high school for various reasons. Severe illness, a family member who needs around-the-clock care, and other personal issues could all keep students from finishing high school.
Whatever the reason, getting your GED can help you get on the path to a fulfilling career. Here are a few benefits of doing so:
Better Job Opportunities
Having your GED opens up more job opportunities, which means a better life for you and your family. Jobs like janitor, land surveyor, tool and die maker and sanitation supervisor require only a high school diploma or GED certificate. Additionally, getting your GED will likely allow you to qualify for more employment fringe benefits like medical insurance and retirement plans.
Getting into college with a high school diploma can take time and effort. However, many colleges will accept your GED as proof that you can take higher-level classes.
It’s not always easy to keep up with classes, especially when you have a job and a young family. Dropping out of high school for a variety of reasons is common. But if you can pass the series of tests, then you’ll show potential employers and college admissions boards that you are ready to take on the challenge of furthering your education.
More Stability in Your Life
Having your GED allows you to move forward with your life. It makes you more eligible to take college classes if that’s what you want to do. It also helps you qualify for higher-level positions, meaning you can earn more yearly than people without a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Many teens don’t get their diplomas for a variety of reasons. Some may need to focus on their career; others might have health issues or family concerns that require their attention. Whatever the reason, getting your GED allows you to show that you have the knowledge and skills equivalent of someone who graduated from high school.
It’s also a great way to feel proud of yourself. It shows that you set a goal for yourself and then worked hard to make it happen. There is no better feeling than that! If you need help preparing for your GED test, there are many tutors, study classes and practice tests that can help.
Higher Self-Confidence
Many GED holders report feeling a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction after earning their diploma. This is important for individuals who want to continue their education or find a job that will give them a good quality of life.
Dropping out of high school can have a negative impact on your future. It will limit your athletics options, making you less likely to be accepted into college without a high school diploma. The average high school dropout earns $10,000 less than someone who finished high school.
Getting your GED shows employers that you are determined to pursue a goal despite obstacles. In addition, you will benefit from having a better quality of life and more stability in your career and personal relationships. There is no reason to delay your goal any longer. Get started on your journey today! Fitzalan Gorman is an experienced writer who has written for professional cycling teams, health and fitness websites, and other publications. She holds a Master of Arts from Virginia Tech in political science and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
Better Relationships
Many teenagers drop out of high school for different reasons. Sometimes, life gets in the way of a traditional education, or a student may not be able to graduate because of a learning disability or other health condition. When this happens, earning their GED becomes a crucial milestone in someone’s life. It allows them to prove to their family, teachers, and peers that they have secondary academic skills.
In addition, those with their GED have a better chance of getting employment benefits such as medical insurance and retirement planning. Statistics show that people without a high school diploma are less likely to enroll in college, making it even more important to earn one’s GED.
People earning their GED can pursue higher education in the best place. Some adults who complete their GED share tips on staying motivated. Try some of these ideas to keep on track and reach your goal!