I just finished High School

Get an ID Document

An ID document is your primary proof of identification in South Africa and is required for various things in your life such as opening bank accounts, clothing accounts and even to get your own phone contract or prepaid.

Get your drivers license

This is not just a cool thing to brag about with your friends. A drivers license means freedom to go anywhere you choose. Also, many jobs require a drivers license before you can apply for the job. From the age of 17 you are eligible to apply for your learner’s licence, after successfully completing the learner’s licence test. This licence is valid for 18 months and allows you to start driving with another licenced driver next to you in the car. Once you are able to drive properly, you can take the driver’s licence test, which upon completion, will allow you to drive a car without supervision.

Apply for a passport

Are you ready to see the world? A passport is required for when you would like to travel the world or even when your job requires you to travel to other countries. A passport is an official government document confirming that you are a citizen of the applicable country. You can think of your passport as your ID document for travelling outside South Africa. Tip: when travelling to other countries, always make sure you keep your passport in a safe place! Only carry it around with you when it is necessary

Apply for higher education

Are you ready to continue building on your knowledge? Attending an institution for higher learning may be the next step for you. Universities offer undergraduate degrees and diplomas, if you’re looking for an academic qualification. This is suitable for engineers, accountants, psychologists etc. Colleges also offer diplomas, as well as courses suited for tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, welders etc

Update your CV

CV is an abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae, a Latin phrase meaning “Course of Life”. It’s a written summary of your career, education and qualifications. Why is this important? Basically, this is an advertisement to sell yourself and your skills to future employers. Make sure your CV is neat and professional, as this is generally your first impression with a new company. Just a friendly warning: it is a criminal offence to lie on your CV, so make sure you are truthful about your qualifications

Apply for your first job

This could be one of the scariest things you’ve ever done, but you’ll be so happy and proud when you land your first job. With your brand spanking new CV in hand, you have a couple of options. You could go from employer to employer and make contact with their HR person to get your foot in the door (HR is an abbreviation for Human Resources, the people who make all the hiring and firing decisions). Remember to make a great first impression with them. Another option is to submit your CV to recruitment agents. Their job is to sell you and your skills to other companies. This also has the benefit that the agent will coach you about how to conduct yourself during an interview.

Register for tax

Unfortunately, now that you’re ready to start adulting, you have to register for tax. Every citizen in a country has to pay tax on the money that they earn. The government uses the money they collect from tax to build schools, hospitals and roads. They also fund the police, fire brigade etc. with that money.

Pursue that passion!

You have your whole life ahead of you! Follow your dream! Whether you’ve always wanted to start your own business, or take a gap year, now is the time to celebrate your youth. Go travel, fall in love, build friendships or simply enjoy what life brings