With the rising cost of higher education, it’s no wonder that many high school graduates—and even some college freshmen and sophomores—are wondering whether they should skip school altogether and use that money to travel the world. I get asked this question a lot, and it’s not an easy one to answer. The truth is, it really depends on your personal goals, interests, and where you are in life. Everyone’s situation is different, so I can’t tell you what’s right for you—but I can offer some food for thought.
First, I want to say this: if you’re unsure about what you want to do, it’s okay to question whether school is the right move at this moment. I think most young people should hold off on college—whether that means traveling or simply taking some time to figure things out. The last thing you want is to go to college without knowing why you’re there. It’s not the best way to start your educational journey.
That said, education is incredibly important, and I believe in continuous learning throughout your entire life. I never stop trying to expand my knowledge—whether that’s through business conferences, reading books, listening to podcasts, or talking with experts. Learning should never be confined to just the classroom. But formal education? That’s a different story.
The thing is, many successful people didn’t follow the traditional education path. Think of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and so many others. They didn’t finish school, yet they changed the world. Why? Because they had the drive and the ability to learn on their own. They didn’t wait for a degree to tell them how to think.
When I say, “Maybe you should skip school,” I don’t mean you should skip education altogether. I mean, maybe skip college for now—at least until you have a clearer sense of what you want to do there.
In other countries, especially in places like Australia and New Zealand, it’s common for young people to take a “gap year” after high school. It’s a chance to travel, explore the world, and figure out what they want to study or pursue before diving into university. It’s a time to grow up, to learn about yourself, and to get some perspective before making life decisions. But in the U.S., it’s expected that you head straight to college. There’s this assumption that if you don’t go to school immediately, you’re falling behind.
But given how much tuition has increased over the years (and continues to rise faster than inflation), it’s worth considering whether it’s smart to jump into college without knowing what you want. For many people, especially in Europe, university doesn’t start until their 20s. They often work or travel first, and some choose to study while also working. There’s less pressure to commit to a 4-year degree right out of high school. I think that’s something we could learn from.
The problem with rushing into college without a clear direction is that many students end up switching majors, taking extra semesters to “find themselves,” or graduating with a degree they don’t use. If you don’t have a strong sense of purpose for going to college, it can feel like wasted time and money.
So if you’re unsure, I’d say don’t go to school right away. Instead, work, volunteer, pick up a hobby, or—better yet—travel. Travel can be an education in itself. It teaches you about the world and about yourself. You’ll learn how to navigate different cultures, interact with all kinds of people, become more independent, and deal with uncomfortable situations. Travel forces you to grow up and can even help you find clarity about what you want to do next in life.
Yes, a college degree can open doors and increase your earning potential in the long run. But if you’re still figuring things out, I’d suggest holding off on formal education until you know what you want from it. That way, when you do go to school, it will be because you’re ready, not because it’s just what everyone expects you to do.
So until you’re ready, go ahead and pursue your passions. Travel, get a job, take up a hobby—never stop learning. But only go to school when you’re sure about what you want to get out of it.
