Is Levi Johnston's Choice to Drop Out a Good One?

There has been much curiosity and intrigue with Bristol Palin, daughter of Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and her fiance, Levi Johnston. She is pregnant, and the pair will be married sometime next summer. What makes this story more interesting is that the father, Levi Johnston, has dropped out of high school to work and prepare to support his family. Should he be given a hoorah or be encouraged to stay in school, and figure out a way to balance school and work?

The twosome, who have been dating for a couple of years, are supposed to be high school seniors this year. Bristol is continuing to go to school and finish her high school career. Levi, however, has decided to not finish his senior year of high school. He has opted instead to work on the North Slope oil fields as an apprentice electrician. From what I hear, this is a lucrative position. But, is it a smart move?

On the one hand, I would say yes, it is a smart move, that Levi is stepping up to the plate to be a responsible father. He is choosing a job that would support his family, and is thereby, putting their well being and security first.

Even though he's not finishing school right now, he is working a job that he may want to keep for the long term. I don't know what his career goals are, but he's apprenticing as an electrician, which is a good profession. The purpose of finishing high school and entering college, is so that we can get good jobs and establish ourselves, and hopefully work at a job that is enjoyable. He seems to have already done that. With this job, he will be establishing himself and securing a good financial foundation for his family. He can always go back and get his GED, and if he wants to pursue higher education, he can do that. Right now, his first and foremost obligation is to being the provider for his child, and he is taking that on by choosing to work.

On the other hand, it can be argued that it's not a good decision to drop out. It could limit his earning potential. What if he loses the job on the slope? What decent job could he get without even a high school diploma? It would seem that he's setting himself up for failure by foregoing his senior year and getting his diploma. But, it's unlikely that he will lose the job on the slops, and it's a lucrative job, so I think the odds are in his favor.

I think that it's very mature and responsible for Levi Johnston to be a man and decide to work and take care of his family. He can always go back to get his GED. But, the baby can't wait. It's coming and the due date is December 18. Right now is the time for him to be working and preparing for his child, and stepping up to be a real man and handle his responsibilities. I applaud him for his choice. I don't favor teen pregnancy or dropping out of high school. But, I do applaud making responsible decisions after the consequences of making irresponsible choices.