With our Matric results out in South Africa and all the mixed emotions that go with them all, we are left with the obvious question: What to do now?

If you are or know a school leaver then here are some options: Further education is always a great way to go. But remember the dropout rate and failure rate for higher education is above 50% and will often leave you with huge debt and emotional and social issues to deal with.

Getting a job and working is an awesome option, but jobs are scarce and your Matric does not really qualify you to do much other than entry level jobs. But a job is a job and experience will come. I know so many people who got a job, worked hard and have moved up to managerial positions and job security. So find a job, put in some effort and make it happen.

Then there is the gap year. A gap year without a plan is just a total waste of time and energy, not yours, but those who need to support you. If you want to take a gap year, do something with it. Learn a skill, job shadow, volunteer, travel, do things that will give you experience and mature your skills into something worthwhile.

The last option I have is to start a business. Last on the list, but should be considered first. South Africa is ripe for Entrepreneurship and ready for small business. But starting a small business on your own may be considered as imminent failure, unless you get help from a mentor and coach. Learning from others who have gone before you makes the path less hazardous and more productive.

If you are in Johannesburg and want to do a full gap year of Entrepreneurship then here is an option.

If you are in Cape Town and want to find out more about what it takes to start and run a business, then we have a specialised workshop for school leavers on Wednesday 11th Jan. Click HERE for more info.

Whatever your choices are for 2017, make sure you make then, stick to them and give it a good go. If you want to chat to our team for more advice, then go here. We are here to help you grow your business.