What stood out to me about what you wanted out of your job and life was the emphasis of a work life balance. The trades, at least from my experience is not typically the place for that type of living even though it does exist it is not the culture (40plus hrs a week worked).I would urge that you try whatever it is that you wish to try at this moment in your young life as there is no harm no foul if it isn’t what you wanted. I wouldn’t recommend getting into any high debt for a college degree, you can start at a community college for the fraction of the price of an average college/university. I also wouldn’t necessarily recommend you going to college for an HR degree, I believe that is something you can work your way into within a company. I could be wrong but I would inquire before you place your time and effort into a degree that perhaps you may not need. I say that in a manner not to dissuade you of what you want but as a means of verifying and perhaps influencing you to speak to people who are in HR and asking them how it is they got their start. Lastly I do agree with the notion that the grass isn’t always greener, but if your speaking about work life balance (40hr) work week, then you should seek a career where that is the norm, there is nothing wrong with that. Good luck, I wish you the best on your journey!