I don’t feel very smart and now I need a job, but I don’t have a high school diploma. What are my options to fix this?
You could try Khan Academy, and then work on getting your GED
Are you under 25 or older with a disability? You might want to look into job corps for help with GED and job training.
Everyone’s shared great advice, but can you tell us where you live and why you dropped out? I’m really curious about your story.
Mark said:
Everyone’s shared great advice, but can you tell us where you live and why you dropped out? I’m really curious about your story.
Me too! Were your experiences similar to Tara Westover’s family?
What do you want to do? Have you thought about a GED or HSE? There are new adult high schools that can help you earn your diploma.
Your post had some punctuation issues, but it’s very well written for someone who stopped school in 5th grade. I teach middle school and many students struggle with using an apostrophe.
Don’t be hard on yourself. You might be smarter than you realize.
Start with your GED, then think about going to a trade school or a 2-year community college before considering a state school.
If you’re in the US and are an adult or older teen, check out your local community college. They likely have GED prep courses and can guide you on taking the GED test when you’re ready. Community colleges are here to help everyone, no matter their background.
Many community colleges offer free GED classes. While you may have to pay for the tests, there are waivers available for those who qualify.
Get in touch with your local community college or the counseling department at the closest high school for guidance.
Oh wow… I bet you don’t have ten years of work experience either?
GED.
Some places even offer free courses.
If you’re in the US, reach out to your local community college about high school equivalency classes. They can connect you with programs in your area that are often low cost or even free. The instructors want to see their students succeed and will help anyone at any academic level. You can do this!
Don’t underestimate your intelligence. Many people aren’t as smart as you think. Education and intelligence are different. My brother has done well in life because of his social skills. He loves being with others and is great at making connections. I’m more of an introvert, but I succeed in one-on-one situations.
Everyone has their strengths, and the education system can make you think academic success is the only measure. It’s okay if you haven’t found your strengths yet. Everyone feels uncertain and scared at times. It’s important to surround yourself with different kinds of people. You’re not dumb at all; you just need to believe in yourself.
Figure out what you’re good at and what you care about. What do you want to do? Once you know that, you can plan your path to get there.
Most people wait until they think they know everything before trying to turn their lives around. Good for you for realizing that life can be tough without a basic education.
You’ll need to get your GED. There are several ways to do this. When I was 17, I went to job corps. I only stayed long enough to earn my diploma, but it was worth it. My advice is to focus on yourself and don’t get too attached to others. Some people there have strange vibes, so it’s best to be cautious.