text: leaving options? i have one more year at school and am doing a levels in economics biology and maths (dropping maths next year and doing english and history). it has always bin drilled into me to just attend uni after i finish school but i dont want to.  some people say im wasting my ability as im fairly bright, what other options do i have? if you study the largest countries and their economic influence in the world what do you see the future calls for?  i see: languages (mandarin chinese; english; and another language - but for sure the first 2); international business.  you have done the economics - continue but in international language.  i'd see your counselor and see if you can do your last year maybe in a university overseas that they approve of (accept transcripts). my niece is going to guangzhou university (guangzhou used to be canton) and is studying mandarin and international business.  many students from uk and other countries around the world - they have realized w.the world is heading.    next question: what makes you happy?  that is so important. anymore, remember, companies don't hire you for life - so you have to be motivated, happy, and be willing to move/change be flexible.    so a major and a minor is important.  if you w/not so far along, i'd say fields in medicine that are needed.  for example, in the state of nc we only have 74 pediatric dentists, can you believe?  also, in the usa, we are hiring nurses from around the world to fill our vacancies.   so what to do. first and foremost make an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses - you know which they are. be brutal with yourself - nobody needs to see this list, if you don't want.  next, list of what you want and definitely don't want out of life - next 5/10 years - can't go further than that.  do you have a labor department that will give you a census of jobs and what jobs are hard to fill?  we have it in the usa and you could focus on something you like on that list.  if you have doubts - maybe ask a company tolet you work during the summer/intern to see if this is something that attracts you.  another area of concern because we are getting much older and we can't rely any longer on taking care of our elders at home....so that generation will need help - professional help?  what is it where you live?