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 11^th 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.