LIFE AFTER MATRIC

MARYANNE ISAAC

WHEN you leave school a plethora of possible opportunities await.

For some, study at a tertiary institution is a given and the pressures of what to do next is not a major concern. However, for others, not knowing what to do or where to go after matric is a disconcerting feeling.

I remember when I received my matric results. I was told by my family and friends “Congratulations, you’re now unemployed. Welcome to the real world!”

It can feel scary and overwhelming at the time, but life after matric can be a beautiful learning experience – if you choose to see it this way.

US actress Kelly McGillis once said: “Life is a journey and it’s about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are, and loving who and what you are.”

High school is your familiar safe space. You may outgrow your high school habits and lose contact with friends – which makes leaving a bit of a challenge. However, leaving high school means that you are now an adult and are ready to face the real world.

Here are 6 guidelines on what you can do to prepare for life after matric:

1 Find a mentor

Having a senior and more experienced person guiding you in life will help you in the long run. You can choose to have a mentor in the career field you want to pursue or someone who has life experience. A mentor will help you grow in understanding and decisionmaking.

2 Further your studies

Most matriculants will choose to further their education after high school through a TVET college, university or correspondence institute. Studying after matric will give you the opportunity to work towards a qualification that will help you land your desired job.

Studying straight after high school also helps you maintain the momentum and discipline of learning and preparing for exams.

3 Work experience

If you are still deciding on a career to pursue or are saving up to further your studies, you can gain work experience in the field you are thinking of entering and earn money.

4 Gap year

If your matric year was stressful and you feel like you need a break before committing to a job or a four-year degree, a gap year would be best. It’s the perfect opportunity to do whatever you want. Travel a little, work abroad, volunteer for the year, discover your passion and talents – it’s all up to you. However, before planning a trip or working abroad you must take Covid-19 safety protocols into consideration.

5 Take a career quiz

If you are unsure about what career you should pursue or in doubt about whether it would suit your personality, take a career quiz. You don’t want to take up public speaking only to find out that you are an introvert who dislikes having to confront live audiences. These quizzes are freely available on the websites of tertiary institutes or career websites.

6 Do what makes you happy

We tend to cling to the popular belief that if you’re a doctor, engineer or lawyer you have made it in life. That’s not true. Covid-19 has taught us not to take life for granted. Do what makes you happy even if it’s not approved by society and never regret living your dream.