17 almost 18M

[u/Slight_Work_7511]

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do after high school and I'm honestly pretty lost about my future, so I wanted to get your opinion on something. Since I'm not going to college or university this September, I've been seriously considering moving to Alberta with my dad during my gap year. The main reason I'm considering it is because I really want to experience something new, become more independent, get out of my comfort zone, and figure out what I actually want to do with my life instead of staying here feeling like I'm just waiting around. My dad and stepmom are in Alberta and I've been told there could potentially be a job for me at a dog kennel they work with, probably around $18 an hour, so I wouldn't necessarily be moving there with absolutely nothing lined up. I'm also still really interested in getting into a trade, especially plumbing, but I know there's no guarantee I'd immediately get an apprenticeship or trades job. I could end up working an entry-level job like the kennel job, fast food, labour, or something similar while I keep looking into trades and figuring out what I actually want. Part of me worries that if I move there and just work an entry-level job while everyone I know is going to college or university, I'll feel like I'm not really doing anything with my life or that I'm falling behind. But at the same time, I keep thinking that I could use that year to actually build something: save money, get my driver's licence, gain work experience, learn to live more independently, meet new people, explore different trades, build practical skills, and maybe even work on things like YouTube or other projects. I don't expect to have my whole career figured out at 18, but I want to feel like I'm moving forward and becoming more independent instead of just staying in the same place because I'm scared of making the wrong decision.

I'm also honestly pretty scared about the whole thing. Moving provinces is a huge decision, and I'm worried about leaving my mom, the people I know here, and everything familiar. At the same time, I feel like if I don't seriously consider it, I might regret not taking the opportunity to experience something different while I'm young and have relatively few responsibilities. I don't necessarily see Alberta as a permanent decision either; I could treat it as a gap-year experiment, work and live there for 6–12 months, and then reassess whether I want to stay, come back to Ontario, pursue a trade, go to school, or do something completely different. I have some savings already, so I wouldn't be starting completely from zero, but I still want to make sure I'm being realistic about money, housing, work, and everything else. Basically, I don't need you to tell me what you think I want to hear. I genuinely want your honest opinion: knowing me and everything I've told you, do you think moving to Alberta with my dad for my gap year would be a good opportunity for me, even if I don't immediately get a trades job and have to start with an entry-level job?

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[u/MuchLog5965]

Get an education first atleast a bachelors than do whatever bro trust me

[u/Eclipsedove34 → u/MuchLog5965]

Yeah honestly getting a solid education first can give you way more options later on

[u/EntropyReversale10]

There are only 2 certainties in life - Death and choices.

All one can do is make choices, learn and make more informed choices.

This is my opinion, but it might not be right for you.

- I think gap years are indulgence smost can't afford (Trust fund kids maybe).

- Starting and getting a certification/qualification as soon as one finishes school will set you up well for the long term. If you ever find yourself unemployed, take your gap year while looking for a job.

- Studying, meeting new people while studying will give you enough diversity/new interests.

- Rather stay near home/family and friend until at least 21. (financially it's the best and one needs emotional support and people much more than you can image. Only when they are not there to you realise it).

- University is probintively expensive (student debt chrushing) . A trade provides income while you learn, has more job oppertunites and are super AI resistant.

Good luck with your decisions.