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A group I belong to had the question which I would submit to you;

Looking into the future. What would you say to a high school student is a good thing to do after high school?

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I would recommend the military but I understand there are some who can't do that for one reason or another, so I recommend that they learn a trade even if they are going to college for a "white collar" job a "blue collar" skill can always come in handy.

Second to stay as far out of debt as they can. Pay off (school, auto, home) loans as fast as possible. Don’t use credit cards but cash or debit cards are better. Learn to barter even for everyday items. Some doctors will even give a discount for services if you are paying cash.

Third, NEVER stop learning.

Forth, seek out advice from trusted elders.

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Work his/her ass off to be the best at what he/she chooses to do.

There's always room for the best.

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FarmerUp..I think you're "right on" with your advice....probably the only other thing that I would add to that is to learn to be flexible. Also to realize that the world doesn't stop to wait on you....you have to keep up with it.  Those that are most successful in life are those who can learn to get along with almost everyone...doesn't mean that you have to be their best friend....but you do have to get along!  Also, it doesn't mean that you'll start out at the best job...it may mean that you have to work your way up!  I know that's what we told my son...and he's learning that it takes long hours and hard work...for his bosses to see just what an asset he is to their company.  Thankfully, he's always been a real hard worker.....so that goes without saying. When he got out of college....he studied hard...and within a year of finishing college...he took and passed the CPA exam (four parts) on the first try.   He's working on paying off his student loans...had paid off some of them...still some to go...but he did save up enough money to put $14,000 cash down on a brand new car.  Thankfully, he didn't get "caught up" in one of those credit card offers that they send the kids or offer the kids while they're still in college.  I know that he's gone to my husband for advice...which is a great thing.  Just wish that my mom and dad and my husband's mom and dad were alive to see how he's doing...and how he's on the road to being pretty successful at what he does.  Now it's just a matter of getting my daughter to successfully complete her years of college (she's currently in her second year...and waiting to hear if she was accepted into the college's nursing program).  She also is a very hard worker...and I'm sure that she'll be successful once she does become a nurse.

I just hope that we're not raising a generation of "selfish" kids that don't understand the meaning of hard work and a good work ethic.  I still remember going to business school (back in 1978).  The school I attended only allowed you to be out 5 days out of a quarter....so 20 days a year.  One of the teachers commented that in the real world...most people would NOT get 20 sick days...so you should learn to "suck it up" and go when you don't feel the best!

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No matter how much or how little you make, "live below your means" whenever you possibly can.  Start investing in your retirement as soon as you start working. Don't expect anything but what you've saved and/or invested to be there for you someday.

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Originally Posted by Farmer Up:
A group I belong to had the question which I would submit to you;

Looking into the future. What would you say to a high school student is a good thing to do after high school?

I think it's favorable to figure out what the economy currently needs and put forth a genuine effort to become educated, qualified, or certified accordingly. But what the economy needs today, it might not need or need as much in 5 years. But as far as economic needs go, people are always being born, people are always going to be sick, and people are always going to die, so hospitals and funeral homes seem - steady...

I'd like to say it's important that whatever job you end up doing you really like. But that seems like a stretch; most people I know here either don't like their job and/or hate their employer. The few who do say they love their jobs seem to be State & City workers.

I dunno, I worry about kids' employment futures :/

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Originally Posted by Scott Terry:

Work his/her ass off to be the best at what he/she chooses to do.

There's always room for the best.

P.S.  Learn to speak Chinese.

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I'd recommend they get an education. Whether it is a college or trade but something that is going to help them get a good job that they love and can excel at.. Id tell them then .. to work their asses off.. Do the absolute best you can do all the time.. Id also let them know that there will be times when they love their boss, other times that they hate them,  and many times that they have to choose their battles and bite their tongues to keep from losing a job/carreer they love... in the end they will get their just rewards..barring any future economical demise.

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Try to understand that your parents beliefs are not always the best ones. Learn and grow and form your own opinions because they are the ones that will carry you through life.

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Originally Posted by Bob Clair:
No matter how much or how little you make, "live below your means" whenever you possibly can.  Start investing in your retirement as soon as you start working. Don't expect anything but what you've saved and/or invested to be there for you someday.

Good advice

I've done the math on investing in several companies if I would have invested a 1,000 dollars after I graduated high school or at 10-20 bucks a week back then, most would be very surprised that they wouldn't have had too work today. Yes, always live within your means, like you said below your means would be best.

Don't be sorry later on for the chance you didn't take. Do it, try it while your young.

Its also good to have a really crappy job or two under your belt, so you know how good you have it when a good one comes along. .

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Originally Posted by Scott Terry:

Work his/her ass off to be the best at what he/she chooses to do.

There's always room for the best.

I like this answer.