6/9/2025

Achieving independence early in life is not only a practical goal but also a crucial step toward becoming a responsible and productive adult. It is also vitally important in preparing for marriage and family responsibilities. For high school graduates, establishing a clear path to independence—through specialized training, securing a high-quality job, and living independently—provides immense long-term benefits. This journey demands careful planning, preparation, focus, discipline, and wise stewardship of time and resources.

The Value of Specialized Training

In today’s competitive world, a high school diploma often serves as the first step, not the finish line, in education. Specialized training equips individuals with the skills to secure well-paying and fulfilling careers. Proverbs 22:29 states, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” This illustrates the importance of honing one’s craft and striving for excellence by pursuing a carefully crafted education and career plan. By promptly pursuing advanced training or certification, young people can position themselves to succeed in their chosen fields while demonstrating diligence and purpose.

Financial Stability and Employment

Financial independence is another cornerstone of adulthood. A good job that pays well not only provides stability but also fosters confidence and self-reliance. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, reminds us, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” This verse emphasizes the necessity of hard work and responsibility. By entering the workforce early and building a lucrative career, wise youth can secure their futures and prepare for life’s inevitable challenges.

In many cases, with proper planning, attending just one or two semesters at a reputable tech school can significantly increase the potential earnings in a specific field. Additionally, with proper planning, grants and scholarships can cover all or most of the tuition at these schools. Sometimes, future employers will also pay tuition if you agree to work for them for at least a year or two. This is why I suggest getting specialized training as soon as possible to increase your immediate and long-term earning potential. Train, work, train, work, and so on. Work smart. Smart people know how to position themselves to generate substantial income.

Additionally, some Tech schools offer free or reduced tuition for High School students. I’ve met some impressive young people who already had advanced training and certification before graduating from high school.

It should also be emphasized how much one can learn through study, research, and application outside of any formal institution. College is expensive. I would suggest taking college classes only for things that can only be learned in college. Most academic subjects can be learned independently through self-study.

First, Buy a Car

One of the first steps in working towards independence is saving up and purchasing a reliable car. With proper planning and hard work, this is something that can be done before or shortly after graduating from High School. Owning your own vehicle allows you to move out, commute to work, and go places. Youth without their own wheels are shackled to their parents and are very limited in the opportunities they can pursue.

Building on this, owning a truck and a trailer can significantly expand options as an entrepreneur offering multiple services in high demand in your area. Work hard. Work smart. Be creative.

The Importance of Moving Out

Living independently is a significant milestone on the path to adulthood. It fosters personal growth, increased maturity through taking on additional responsibilities, along with a few extra lessons gained in the school of hard knocks.

Genesis 2:24 reflects the importance of forging one’s own path: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” While this verse pertains to marriage, the principle of leaving one’s parents to establish a separate and independent life applies universally. Moving out before the age of 20 for sons, and 25 for daughters, cultivates maturity and self-reliance, both of which are indispensable in adulthood.

It is also worth noting that many exceptions can be made to these general rules. For example, as a father, I have no problem with sons or daughters continuing to live at home as long as they are pulling their own weight, working hard in school, pursuing a clear path leading to success, and not being slothful or frivolous with their time and resources.

Avoiding Distractions and Non-Productive Activities

Adolescence is a time of energy and opportunity, but it is also a period where distractions can derail progress. Expensive travel to distant lands, excessive partying, or engaging in non-productive activities can squander time, money, and resources. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” This call to intentional living reminds young people to focus on productive endeavors that align with their goals and values.

The Role of Faith in Independence

Throughout the journey to independence, faith in God serves as a guiding light. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in God’s plan: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Independence does not mean abandoning support or guidance but instead stepping into one’s responsibilities with faith in God’s purposes.

The teachings of Jesus suggest that the way to truth and happiness is in family life. Young women should marry early and have children while they are still energetic and strong. Young men should prepare for marriage through extensive education, work, and careful planning, then marry as soon as they can find a suitable wife. Maximum happiness comes through living this model within the context of Christian life.

There are many tangents and distractions that tend to steer young men and women away from following this model. Exciting travel plans, career plans, or simply living life without purpose, listlessly following the path of least resistance—these things quickly derail peace and happiness.

Conclusion

Becoming independent shortly after high school is a challenging yet rewarding goal. Through specialized training, gainful employment, and early steps toward self-reliance, young adults can set themselves up for a prosperous and fulfilling future. An essential part of achieving success in a fulfilling future is to prepare promptly for family life, including family responsibilities. By avoiding distractions and embracing purposeful endeavors, young people fulfill their divine calling to lead productive and meaningful lives.

Note: I used AI in the development of this essay. I think it is quite impressive what AI can do when used responsibly. I also think it is morally responsible to credit AI when it generates more than about 20% of the content, which is why I mention this here.