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You keep hearing it on the news: The economy is having trouble. Gas and food are getting more expensive. There is more competition for jobs. And more and more jobs require a high school degree. What’s the solution for someone who never graduated high school? Getting a GED can help you get or keep a job in troubled economic times.

All over the country, people are worried about the economy. The word “recession” is all over the news. And the people at the highest risk of suffering from a poor economy are the 39 million Americans who don’t have a high school diploma. As jobs get scarcer, more highly qualified workers are on the job market, looking for employment. In an economy where, in some job markets, 75% or more of jobs require a high school degree, the prospects for someone without one are already slim. As jobs become more competitive, people without a GED or high school diploma are the most likely to find themselves without employment.

When the economy begins to look shaky, people tend not to want to make changes in their lives. They put off buying new things, and that includes investing in their education. But the truth is that, when the economy is soft, it’s the worst time to put off pursuing better education. If you’ve been thinking about getting that GED, there has never been a better time. A small investment in studying for and taking the GED exam can lead to a much more secure future and put you in a better position if you need to search for a job.

The GED can be fast and easy. By taking a practice test, many people find that they can already pass one or more of the five tests on the GED exam: social studies, science, reading, writing, and math. One caution: the GED cannot be taken online. It can only be taken at an official testing center. However, it is possible to study for the GED test online. The test is inexpensive, and the test-taker receives a credential from their state government.

Passing the GED shows that you’ve mastered the most important skills from high school: communication, basic math, and most importantly, critical thinking skills. It also shows that you have the perseverance and commitment to prepare for and complete the exam. These are the qualities employers look for: commitment, perseverance, and critical thinking. Although the GED is challenging, it’s also achievable. With focused study and personal dedication, the millions of Americans who missed out on high school can get a second chance. Many GED study programs are available to help.

In dollars and cents, a GED means earning up to $350,000 more over your lifetime—and possibly much more, even as much as a million dollars more, if you go on to trade school, community college, or a university. More urgently, a GED can mean job security and a better resume, greater respect and more possibilities for the future.

For more information about the GED test or GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy at http://www.passGED.com.