How to Decide What to Do After School: Work, Travel or Study?
Learn the pros and cons of working, taking a gap year or continuing your studies, and get tips to choose the right path.
Uncertain about what to do after finishing school?
You’re not alone. Many young people worry about making the “right” choice.
This article explains the advantages and drawbacks of starting work, taking a gap year to travel or volunteer, and continuing your studies.
It also includes reflection questions to help you choose a path that matches your goals, personality and resources.
1. Start working: earn and learn
Jumping straight into work offers independence and hands‑on experience, but the youth job market can be challenging.
Pros
Earn while you learn – a job provides immediate income and teaches practical skills and responsibility.
Test different careers – short‑term roles or apprenticeships let you explore industries without a long commitment.
Build a financial backup – saving early can fund future studies or travel.
Cons
Youth unemployment is high – the youth unemployment rate in the EU was 14.7 % in June 2025[4], so jobs may be scarce in specific sectors.
Lower long‑term prospects without qualifications – the employment rate for people with only lower secondary education was 58.7 %, compared with 86.5 % for tertiary graduates.
Harder to return to study – once you settle into full‑time work, switching back to the classroom can be difficult.
Personal Note from Mario: “With 18 years old I’ve started my career in the aviation industry, 7 years later I decided to quit the contract and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Choosing what and where to study was so much easier for me, since I know already what I did not wanted. Also I could define my fields of interest as 25 years old better than as 18 years old who moves out of his parents’ house.
But please consider this: When you really, really do not know what do to – choosing a job over a study is usually a bigger commitment. Switching studies is usually easier and less trouble as quitting a job training – also it doesn’t matter on the CV as much.
During your studies you can easily explore different jobs and field of interests. Or read further below if a gap year might be best for you. For me it was clear to go for a job training first, since I did not want to continue studying at that time.”
2. Take a gap year to travel or volunteer
A well‑planned gap year can broaden your perspective and give you time to recharge.
Pros
Time to reflect and grow – studies show that students who defer university perform better academically and return with clearer goals.
New skills and confidence – living abroad builds independence, language and cross‑cultural skills.
High return to study – around 90% of gap‑year students resume college within a year.
Cons
Costs add up – travel, insurance and visas require planning; look for programmes like the European Solidarity Corps or paid work to offset expenses.
Loss of structure – without goals, a gap year can drift; set a plan and budget.
Readjustment can be tough – getting back into study or work routines after a year away may feel challenging.
Pro Tip: A dog or cat can make the travel even more exciting. 🤓
3. Study further: invest in your future
Continuing into university, higher vocational training or a college of applied sciences remains a popular path with strong long‑term benefits.
Pros
Better employment prospects – in 2024 the employment rate for people with tertiary education was 86.5%.
Higher earnings and expertise – degrees and diplomas often lead to better pay and specialised knowledge.
Supportive environment – structured courses and mentors help you grow academically and personally.
Cons
Tuition costs – fees, books and living expenses can be high; scholarships or part‑time work may be needed.
Over‑qualification risk – about 21.4 % of graduates were working in jobs that did not require a degree in 2024; choose your field carefully.
Academic pressure – studying requires commitment and may not suit everyone right after school.
…studying here: for some a dream, for some boring. What would be your vibe?
4. How to reflect on your decision
Use these questions to guide your thinking:
Identify your goals: What excites you and where do you see yourself in five years?
Check your finances: Can you afford travel or tuition now, or would working first help?
Consider your energy levels: Are you eager to keep studying or do you need a break to recharge?
Talk to advisers: Seek guidance from teachers, career counsellors, family or friends who know you well.
Mix and match: You don’t have to choose just one path – many people work part time while studying or take short volunteering trips before enrolling.
Personal Note from Mario: “Regarding point 2, as I mentioned above, I worked for 7 years before. When starting my studies in 2022 I had a solid financial baseline through savings. Without this savings I would have had to end my studies after 3 months in because I did not find housing (lived in hotels), could not legally get a job to earn money and was basically in a financial death spiral.
It looked like this: no living address = no legal registration = no bank account abroad = no insurance = no job = no money = nothing to show a landlord to get housing = no housing.
I hope you would never find yourself in a similar situation, but it is something that can happen much quicker as you might expect. Be prepared for the worst case and write it out what you would (need to) do.”
5. Conclusion and next steps
There is no single path that suits everyone after graduation. Starting work, taking a gap year or continuing your studies each has its own rewards and challenges.
What matters most is staying curious and engaged rather than drifting into inaction.
Take time to reflect, gather advice and choose a route that feels right for you now. You can always adjust your course later.
Not sure which study fits you best?
Try StudyfinderAI to explore your options and find programmes that match your interests and ambitions.
I hope this post helps you along the way! If you like the personal notes from our team, let us know in the comments and we share more insights about our paths.
Until then all the best,
