* Clerical and Secretarial Work: The expansion of offices and businesses created a massive demand for secretaries, typists, and clerks. These jobs, while often seen as less prestigious than others, offered a path to middle-class employment that was relatively accessible to women with a high school diploma. A high school education provided the basic skills needed for these roles, such as typing, shorthand (initially), and basic bookkeeping.
* Teaching: Teaching was a traditionally female-dominated profession, and a high school diploma (and later, college degrees) was increasingly required. The growth of public education created more opportunities in this sector.
* Nursing: Similar to teaching, nursing was a field where women were heavily represented. While nursing education could range from diploma programs to college degrees, a high school education was essential for entry into most programs.
* Sales and Customer Service: As retail and service industries expanded, opportunities for women in sales and customer service roles increased. While not always requiring a high school diploma initially, possessing one improved chances for advancement and higher pay.
* Factory Work (during wartime): During World War II, the massive demand for labor in factories opened up previously unavailable jobs for women. While some factory jobs didn't strictly require a high school diploma, having one often led to better positions and faster advancement.
It's important to note that these opportunities were often associated with gender roles and pay gaps. Women were still largely concentrated in these "female" occupations, and they generally earned less than men for comparable work. However, the availability of these jobs provided a strong incentive for women to complete high school, offering a pathway to economic independence and a better life than might have been possible otherwise.