But let me be real with you: high school is the easy part. Now you’re stepping into real life, and sometimes it hits harder than you’d expect.
I tell every young guy I meet-once you graduate, life comes at you fast, and there’s not much help out there.
When I finished school, I had no clue what I wanted. I was chasing girls, buying stuff I didn’t need, wasting hours on Overwatch… honestly, I was just drifting. Looking back, I regret how I spent my early twenties. I’m almost thirty now, and some days it feels like I’m playing catch-up.
If you’re wondering what to do after high school as a young man, you’re in the right place. I’m writing this article because I want to share the advice I wish someone had given me, so you can start your adult life strong and avoid the mistakes I made.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:
- How to get your first driver’s license
- Choosing between trade school and college
- Why it’s smart not to chase girls right now
- How to start investing and building passive income
- The importance of hitting the gym and staying fit
- Finding your true identity after graduation
Let’s dive in and get you set up for success.
What’s improved:
- Added the keyword phrase “what to do after high school as a young man.”
- Smoother transition into the bullet list with “Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:”
- Maintained your authentic, conversational style.
Get Your Driver’s License-Don’t Wait
The first thing every young man should do right after graduating high school is simple: get your driver’s license. Seriously, there’s nothing like the freedom and opportunity that comes with knowing how to drive.
Think about it-if you’re always taking the bus, asking for rides, or spending money on Uber, you’re holding yourself back. Sure, public transportation works, but it limits your options and costs you time and money in the long run.
Let me tell you a quick story. When I was 18, I used to take the bus everywhere. One winter day, I was waiting at the stop in the snow. My shoes got soaked, my feet were freezing, and I remember thinking, “Man, I need to get my license.” I finally got my permit at 19 and my license at 21.
Once I started driving, everything changed-job opportunities opened up, I could travel more, and life just got easier.
Why should you get your license as soon as possible?
- More job opportunities (many employers require a license)
- Freedom to go where you want, when you want
- Saves money and time over always relying on rides or public transport
- Builds confidence and independence
Here’s what I recommend:
- Spend your summer studying for the permit test-it’s easier than you think.
- Once you get your permit, start practicing as much as you can.
- Most people can learn to drive well enough in about five months or less.
Trust me, getting your license early is a game-changer. Make it your first goal after graduation, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Decide: Trade School or College?
Once you’ve got your license, it’s time to tackle one of the biggest questions: What do you want to do for a career? I’ll be real with you-I wish someone had given me honest advice about this when I graduated.
Looking back, I kind of regret going straight to college. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say, “Hey, check out trade school first.”
Why?
Because you can get a certificate, pick up real skills, and start making money way sooner. If you decide later that you want to keep learning or need a degree for your dream job, college will still be there. You’re not locked into one path forever.
Let me give you an example. I had a friend who went to trade school to become an electrician. In just two years, he was already working, earning good money, and had zero student debt. Meanwhile, a bunch of us were still in college, stressing over finals and racking up loans.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Trade School:
- Perfect if you like working with your hands-think electrician, plumber, mechanic, welder.
- Way more affordable than college.
- Faster: Most programs take just 1-2 years.
- You get real-world experience right away.
- Skilled trades are in high demand, so jobs are usually steady and the pay is solid.
College:
- Go this route if you want a broader education or need a degree for careers like engineering, teaching, or business.
- Networking: You’ll meet a lot of people and make connections that can help you later.
- Some jobs require a bachelor’s or higher, so college opens those doors.
- You’ll have more time to explore different subjects and figure out what you like.
It’s not always an easy choice. I know I struggled with it. But once you pick a path, you’ll feel way more confident about your future.
My advice?
- Think about what you actually enjoy doing-don’t just follow the crowd.
- Research both options. Look at trade schools and colleges near you.
- Talk to people who’ve done both. Ask about their experiences.
- Don’t rush. Take your time and make the choice that feels right for you.
Remember, there’s no “right” answer here. It’s about what fits your goals and your life.
Focus on Yourself-Not Chasing Girls
This is probably the most important advice I can give any young man after high school: Don’t chase women when you’re still building your life. I learned this lesson the hard way.
Back in 2020, I was in my so-called “prime.” All I did was chase women. Sure, I had some fun, but looking back, I wasted a lot of money-money I could’ve invested or used to build my future.
The truth is, dating and relationships cost money, and if you’re not financially stable, it can set you back even more. If you’re always spending on dates, gifts, or trying to impress, you’re not investing in yourself or your goals.
Let’s be honest: if you don’t have the money to take care of yourself, what makes you think you can take care of someone else?
Women, just like men, want a partner who’s got their life together. Instead of focusing on chasing relationships, focus on building your wealth, skills, and confidence. Trust me, when you’ve got your foundation set, the right people will naturally come into your life.
Here’s what you should do:
- Prioritize your financial goals-save, invest, and build an emergency fund.
- Budget your money and avoid unnecessary spending just to impress someone.
- Keep friendships and connections, but don’t let relationships distract you from your main goals.
- Focus on your self-growth, health, and career first.
Think of it like Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece-he’s not out here chasing girls; he’s chasing his dream of becoming Pirate King. Your mission right now is to become the best version of yourself.
Stop dropping $500 on dates just to impress. Build your value first, and the rest will follow.
Focus on your journey, and the right people will show up when the time is right.
Start Investing and Learn About Passive Income
Now’s the time to start thinking about your financial future. If you’ve chosen the trade route, you’re probably around 21 or 22 and working a steady job. Maybe you’re pulling in a decent income from your 9-to-5. So, what should you do next? Start investing and build passive income streams.
Here’s what I wish I’d done earlier:
Put 20% to 30% of your income toward investments and learning about passive income. Let your money work for you, not just the other way around. The sooner you start, the more your money can grow over time.
Some practical ways to get started:
- Invest in big companies (think S&P 500 index funds or blue-chip stocks)
- Explore trending investments, but always do your research
- Start saving regularly-even a small amount adds up
- Build a side hustle:
- Start a blog
- Launch a YouTube channel
- Write and sell an ebook
- Build a simple app
- Any project that can earn you money while you sleep
The real benefit of investing and passive income is what happens over the long term. You’ll have money saved up, options for the future, and less stress about bills or emergencies. Even if it feels slow at first, stick with it.
Honestly, I started late. I should’ve taken investing seriously back in 2020 when everything was changing, but I didn’t. Now I’m playing catch-up-and trust me, it’s a lot harder than just starting early.
So take this advice: start now, even if it’s small. Your future self will thank you.
Go to the Gym and Stay Fit
This is something you should start right after high school and keep up for your whole life: no matter what, stay fit and take care of your body. Taking care of yourself is huge-it gives you more energy, helps you look your best, and even makes you more attractive. Plus, it’s good for your job and your long-term health.
Staying healthy, looking good, and staying fit are some of the most important things every guy should focus on. Try to find a gym membership that’s affordable-places like Crunch, Retro Fitness, Planet Fitness, or Blink are great options. If you want to upgrade later, you can always move to a more specialized gym.
What I recommend is finding a routine that works for you and sticking with it. Personally, I follow a “Pull, Leg, and Push” routine from Monday through Friday, and on weekends I add at least an hour of cardio. This keeps things balanced and gives you results over time.
Also, pay attention to your diet. Eat more whole foods and try to limit junk food. You don’t have to cut it out completely-just don’t make it your main thing. I’m not super bulky, but I’m cut right now. Sure, I’ve got a bit of a beer belly, but I’m still working on it. The key is to stay consistent for those long-term benefits.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay consistent with your gym routine.
- Choose an affordable gym membership.
- Add cardio on weekends.
- Maintain a balanced diet and limit junk food.
- Focus on long-term health and fitness.
Find Your True Identity
At the end of the day, one of the most important things you can do after high school is find your true identity. If you’re wondering how to find your identity after high school, it starts with figuring out what you really want out of life-not just what others expect from you.
Take some time to ask yourself:
- What do I actually enjoy doing?
- Do I want to work with my hands, or do I want to challenge myself in a classroom?
- Am I looking for steady, decent income with less stress, or do I want to push myself to grow in new ways?
If you’re someone who wants a solid job without too much stress or pressure, going into a trade could be a great fit. Trades can offer good pay, job security, and hands-on work that some people find really satisfying. On the other hand, if you want to grow academically or personally, or you’re aiming for a career that requires a degree, college might be the way to go.
Here’s why finding your identity matters:
- If you don’t set your goals after high school, you might end up drifting and feeling lost.
- The sooner you figure out what you want, the sooner you can start working toward it-and the less likely you are to look back with regrets.
- Don’t let peer pressure or what others are doing decide your path for you. Stay true to your values, interests, and strengths.
Explore your options. Try different things, even if you’re not sure you’ll like them. You might be surprised by what you enjoy! For example, I once thought web design and development was my thing, but after struggling with endless errors and frustration, I realized it wasn’t for me. I ended up working in repair, and I found it way more fun, challenging, and rewarding.
My biggest regret is not going to trade school sooner and becoming a repairman, electrician, or mechanic. But here’s the thing-it’s never too late to change direction, even if you’re in your late 20s or early 30s. Time might feel limited, but you still have the power to shape your future.
So, here’s a challenge for you:
Write down your goals for the next year, and try at least one new activity or skill each month. Whether it’s a side job, a hobby, or a class, exploring new things will help you discover what truly fits you.
Take the time now to figure out who you are and what you want. Set your own goals, try new things, and don’t be afraid to change direction if you find something that fits you better. That’s how you find your true identity.
Graduating high school is just the beginning. I’ve made mistakes and learned a lot, and now I know it’s all about getting your license, picking your path, building your finances, staying fit, and finding who you really are. Remember, you’re not alone and it’s okay to take your time-success won’t happen overnight. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
