Suggestions on my next move after graduation?

Take summer school classes while they are cheap for being young, and raise your marks. You can also work as a cashier and save money for school/college /university.

Welcome to Fluther. We’re jellies, not Flutherines, but your confusion is forgiven. I’ve been here for nearly seven years now and I’m not yet convinced that “fluther” is a real word.

Don’t hesitate to put the “unofficial” work on your résumé. At your age you need to include it all. If you’re applying for a job with the IRS or some place that will require a Security Clearance and a full background investigation, and you don’t want to get the former employer in trouble for tax evasion, well, that’s another thing. But as your experience and work experience broadens and your job searches become more “targeted” you will need to tailor your résumé to suit the specific job you’re seeking, so consider this practice.

You’ll want to edit the hell out of that résumé, by the way: When you can distill I believe if someone does not have a well mapped out plan of further education options, I would not try to continue in college or a university. Which is why I am unsure about continuing my education, because I don’t have a plan in that aspect, therefore I don’t want to risk failure, down to “I’m not going to college right out of high school,” then your writing is overblown and sort of tendentious and tedious, so don’t do that.

If you truly feel that the work you do doesn’t particularly matter – as I would generally agree – then I would suggest that you not “look for a job” in the way that people often do, by looking for a job that’s being offered somewhere, but go knocking on doors and asking “Can I do this job for you?”

In other words, decide on what job you’d like to do for that employer, then go talk to that employer about doing that job. Maybe he’ll want you to do some other job instead, and if you’re not all that particular, take the one that’s offered and have fun with it. And if they kick you out of the office, then decide on the next place, and so forth.

If you’re into mechanics maybe look into getting your master mechanics certification. I have an awesome mobile mechanic and he “only” charges $60.00 an hour, compared to most shop labor at $80.00 – $100.00 per hour. You could probably find work then either at a shop or branch out on your own. There can be a big demand for mobile mechanics that come to you for service and if you keep your rates competitive like my guy, you will still make a LOT of money.

If I can have someone come to me for $20.00—$40.00 less per hour well..wtf…it’s a no brainer. haha
I have a friend that drives race cars and you could also maybe get on a racing team as a mechanic. Lots of options, all well paying. As a middle aged women that knows nothing about cars I am thrilled when I find a good mechanic that I can trust.

All the advice above is great.

In addition, I would consider marine or aviation mechanic/technician as a possible route.

And I want to also repeat that absolutely your detailing and mechanic work belongs on your resume. Those are valuable skills, regardless of whether it’s a full-time job or even just a hobby.

Honestly do both take some classes you find interesting, work in a job you find interesting. Once you find yourself, plan on a degree program. I wish I could recommend just entering the workforce but I can’t. You’ll want at least an associates degree. Take some classes in mechanical engineering technology at your local community college, find a job in a machine shop even if it’s just sweeping floors. If you can find out what you like and what you are good at then you can see where it intersects with a career. Got to explore a little to do this. Good luck and make it fun!

I may be biased but you sound like a future engineer

You mentioned you love mechanics…both my sons have the same passion. So I will give you my advice….go get a job in mechanics and don’t worry about that some of your employment was under the table….that won’t matter much to the shop owner as he wants to see your skill set in what you can do.

If that does not pan out for you then go back to school and take some English classes because your grammar is iffy…Gail says so.

There is a shortage (and will continue to be one) for skilled trades. Mechanics is a broad category that can gain you access to many different fields. If you are interested, I would pursue it.

Skip college and get a real job.