Seriously enjoy being 16 while you can. I was one of those kids who couldn’t wait to grow up and be an adult because of all the freedom you get and while there is freedom, your level of responsibility grows alongside you. Plus, you’re only considered a child/minor for a teeny tiny part of your life— take advantage of that and just have fun.

Go to college and get it over with as best as you can. Don’t take a break. Don’t take a gap year— it will seriously hinder your motivation to go back. If you struggle with picking a major, TALK TO THE ADVISORS. Hopefully yours are better than the ones I had and can at least give you some direction, but you may ultimately have to pick one and stick with it, even if it isn’t the most exciting.

SAVE YOUR MONEY If you get a job, save the money, do not spend it all on food and BS. Figure out a budget so you’re saving at least half of what you make, if you can. At this point in your life, you’re probably not paying many, if any, bills and that presents the unique opportunity to save a lot of cash. You will cherish the emergency/rainy day fund in college or your young adulthood, trust me. Look into getting an account with a credit union if you can— maybe look into a money market (higher dividends (monthly interest that gives you free money) than a normal savings account, but there is a $100 minimum, at least at my CU). Starting good financial (and really any healthy) habits now will help you in the long run.

I hope this helps. Being 16 is an odd time in anyone’s life, but at least finding a direction can help you move forward and get to a good place for yourself. Good luck!