Low self-esteem is a problem that plagues many people who were unable to finish their education through traditional schooling methods. If you dropped out of high school, or find yourself in a position in which you are unable to finish it, getting a GED may give you a sense of accomplishment.
Many employers require a high-school diploma as a minimal qualification, either for entry-level positions or for promotions to management. If you get your GED, it can level the playing field when you are competing against high-school graduates.
Most trade schools require you to have a high-school diploma or GED in order to enroll. Rather than entering college or going straight into the work force, trade school can give you a marketable skill, so that you can go on to a fulfilling or lucrative career.
You may have struggled in high school, but college is a whole new ballgame. With a GED, you don't have to count out higher education. You may have to attend a community or junior college for a semester or two to prove you can make the grade, then transfer to a four-year college or university, but many GED recipients go on to receive higher degrees.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, GED recipients earn an average of 5 to 11 percent more per year than high-school dropouts. If financial security is important to you, a GED can help you achieve that goal.