I didn’t get into any of the colleges I applied to and am struggling with what to do next. Which do you think is better: enroll in a community college and try to transfer to a better school; or take the year off to travel and do community service abroad, then reapply to colleges next year?
Taking a gap year is a growing trend and, if done right, can be an excellent decision. If you choose to do so, it is imperative you spend the year in a structured program that may include work, travel, community service, etc. There are many credible organizations that coordinate gap year adventures that can be easily found through your high-school counselor. For many, the experience can be life-changing, and they return more than just re-charged to resume their academic careers: They also have more maturity and a better sense of direction.
However, if that doesn’t appeal to you, many good colleges accept students on rolling admissions, so getting into a good college is still possible. If you’d rather continue on the academic treadmill, you can find a good college to start, and leave your options open for transferring.
Do I have to do what my boss directs me to do — even if it’s a bad decision? Can I get fired for helping him not make a huge mistake?
I’m glad you qualified what you meant by doing whatever your boss asks you to do! Clearly, you cannot be compelled to do anything that is unlawful or unethical, at least not without serious consequence to the boss and the company. Since we are not talking about anything in that category, the answer still is no, you don’t have to do whatever your boss asks you to do if you don’t want to — but yes, you can get fired for disobeying a directive from him or her. And if you are that principled that you would put your job on the line to prevent what you think would be a big mistake then you are a rare breed.
I recommend you try a different approach first before putting your career on the line. If you feel that strongly about it, then set time aside with your boss and, in a professional, thorough manner, explain why you feel the way you do.