by Ainsley Lawrence,
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder
Image Source: Pexels
One of the biggest decisions we make in life is what we’ll do after high school. While many people have their hearts set on college, others see this time as an opportunity to travel and get to know themselves.
So, which is it? Should you go to college or should you travel the world for spiritual and personal growth? There’s no right or wrong answer, there’s only the answer most fitting for you and your life goals. Examining both options in detail will help you make an informed decision.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a college education vs. opting for world exploration after high school to experience spiritual growth.
The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a College Education
Hundreds of thousands of hopeful college students apply to higher education institutions every year. There are many reasons why they would choose this route for life after high school over the freedom and flexibility of traveling the world. Here are some of the most significant.
The good things about a college education
There’s no denying the clout that comes with a degree. You get a high level of respect from others as a degree holder. You can also use it to secure a good position in your preferred industry after graduation.
What might be more persuasive when deciding whether to pursue a college education is the unique experience that comes with it. There’s nothing like living on campus, going to school full-time, joining clubs, and developing the friendships you do while in college. Not to mention the relationships you grow with professors and other staff that can introduce you to solid opportunities.
Finally, you have a chance to study abroad when you pursue a college education. This option can be the best of both worlds, giving you a chance to travel the world while still pursuing a traditional post-secondary education.
What might stop you from pursuing one
One of the biggest barriers to pursuing a college education is cost. Many students are worried about paying for college and for good reason.
The cost of attending both public and private colleges has grown exponentially over the last four decades. And unfortunately, salaries in the U.S. haven’t grown nearly as much. So, even if a student is working, covering increasing college expenses is tough.
Also, loans are often the solution for students who are unable to pay college expenses out of pocket. Easy approval criteria and a lack of understanding and ability to absorb the financial obligation that comes with loans have led to mounting student loan debt, hitting nearly two trillion dollars in total for the U.S.
Aside from cost, college is a structured experience. You have a schedule, specific classes to attend, homework, and other obligations that you must fulfill to get your degree at the end of it all. So, if you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility in life after high school, keep reading.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Embarking on a Spiritual Journey Instead
College is an outstanding opportunity for any young adult to pursue. But it isn’t the only way to learn and grow after high school. In fact, traditional education doesn’t have to be on your radar at all.
Instead, you can travel the world and embark on a journey for spiritual growth. How much you can blossom as a person through world exploration is profound. Here’s more on the advantages and disadvantages of embarking on a spiritual journey through travel.
What embarking on a journey for spiritual growth can do for you
Spirituality is a broad concept that refers to a connection you have with something bigger than yourself. It isn’t bound to religion and can be interpreted in various ways, making it easy for anyone to engage in spiritual growth.
When you’re connected to something bigger than yourself, anxiety goes away, your self-esteem gets better, and you have more faith in life. Skills like meditation and emotional regulation come with strong spirituality as well.
You have a lot of flexibility and freedom when traveling. So long as you stay safe and share your experiences securely on social media and other platforms, there’s no limit to the learning and personal growth you can experience. You also have a chance to inspire others to pursue their own spiritual growth journey.
Traveling can make you sit down and think about what you’re running from, how you can conquer your fears, and what you truly want out of life. And you can do all of it at your pace, in your way, making world exploration for spiritual growth that much more enticing.
Potential disadvantages of choosing to go on a journey for spiritual growth
While ample freedom and flexibility can be exhilarating for some, it can be paralyzing for others. There’s so much you can do that you don’t know what to do, which takes away from your ability to grow spiritually and personally.
Much like college, you could also say that traveling has its fair share of expenses. From plane tickets to how you’ll get around while at your destination to lodging to activities, the costs associated with traveling can quickly get out of hand.
Fortunately, with proper planning and budgeting, you can travel with ease and achieve the spiritual and personal growth you set out for.
Make the Best Decision for You
Ultimately, which choice is best for you comes down to your specific needs, interests, and life goals. Weigh all three heavily against the pros and cons of each opportunity to make an informed decision about whether to pursue a college education or travel the world for spiritual development after high school.
About the Author: Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer with an interest in balanced living through education and technology. She loves travelling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book.
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