The secondary education is considered to one the most critical stage of a student life next to early childhood education as this makes or breaks the identity of the student. This is the time when a child discovers more about himself, decide what he wants to be, express himself, and explore new things. This is also the time that students must survive from bullying and other challenges that come along the way. Next to primary school, secondary education is normally the final stage of compulsory education, depending on context. Once a student graduates from high-school, he may or may not continue to college. In the contexts of first world countries, individuals who graduate from high-school can get a job and be paid doing blue-collar jobs just as how much professionals are paid for. However, in other countries (3rd world countries), finishing a degree is of utmost importance because the competition is high and job opportunities are low. Blue collar jobs do not pay much so the only hope for survival is having good business or landing a good job, which requires good educational background.
The secondary education serves as a link between primary and higher education where students are being prepared to enter work or further higher education. Finances, health and parental support are three major important factors that help a student decide whether college is a good fit for him or not. What is good about finishing secondary education is that a person can just take up a college degree whenever possible, without having to deal with age issues.