I am fortunate enough to have a vo-tech program in my area which allows me to learn skills I normally couldn't without a degree or a job. I am taking the aircraft maintenance course FOR FREE since I'm still in high school. Once I get my certificate, which can be used to get a job pretty much ANYWHERE, I can make more money per hour on my first day than a public school teacher can WITH A DEGREE. And I won't have a degree, and I'll be fresh out of high school. PLUS, I would be working for a federal facility. Some people have gone this same exact route and made double their age in wage, so a 22 y/o making $44/hr with no college degree, just a certificate and diploma.
Think about that. Making certain choices can benefit you IMMENSELY.
Biggest tip I have for anyone, always have a back up plan. If this aviation stuff falls through, I'll get a CDL and help my dad with his business, if that doesn't work out, I'll either become a fleet mechanic or get hired onto a pilot car/ escort vehicle company.
Each time one falls through, jump to the next and prepare another back up. Do what you are passionate about and don't wimp out at the first struggle, no matter where you go and what you do there will be struggles. Some routes will be harder than others, but do what will benefit you the most. Don't stay at a corporate job that you hate just because you have a friend that works there. Do what makes you happy and stick to it. It's like crossing a creek with stones. Jump from one to the other, stay calm, focus on what's ahead, don't ponder on what could happen, focus on what SHOULD happen.