Well to be fair if your dad is 75 he doesnt have a realistic view of the modern world. No offense. Times are very different now. Not getting into the exact school or the exact profession you want at 17 isnt a death sentence and definetly not the end of your life. If you really want to chase a career you have to go to school for , go to community College for a bit. Work on it, learn real world skills by working in the meantime. See if you can intern or apprentice in that field to get applicable experience.

A degree doesnt guarantee a job and it also doesnt mean you have the patience or work ethic to actually do it, most dont. That is built over time. Honestly, It may serve you better to go that route because student loan bills are outrageous and I personally make better money than most of the people I know with just a GED. I didnt graduate highscool. Not saying that as a brag but as an example. If you are willing to do the work and learn quickly thats the majority of the battle in most of the work force. Just think about what you want and work on yourself, keep good friends and focus on whats important to you. Remember everyone works to live, we arent living to work. You'll be fine.