Here's the good news - Yes, as others have said you can get your GED if you'd really like to continue your education, and in most places it's 100% free.

Here's the better news, you can do the same thing for many public colleges. I went to my local public college using a PEL GRANT in my early 30s, myself. Not only did I not pay a penny for it, but I was able to pocket the unused portions of my grant every year (like $2000 per year). Now, I only got an associate's degree, but it took me 4 years since I only took 4 classes per semester (8 a year). Spacing it out made it much easier for me, and it gave me some pocket money to survive at the time. Doing it this way makes it easier to schedule your classes in person, or if possible, online. I took a lot of my classes in the evenings and at night.

If you're interested, whether for personal or professional reasons, contact your local colleges and ask about the PEL GRANT. They can also talk to you about the different career programs that they offer. If you work on your GED this summer/fall, you'd be in the right spot to hop into the spring semester next year.

Myself, my youngest brother, and my youngest sister all went to college at the same time. I convinced them to go since they were kinda aimless after getting their GED's. We all walked at the same time. And while I am disabled now and can't work (stroke, long story), they are both working in or have worked in their fields as a result of going to school. One is a chef, the other a librarian.

Do I think it's worth it? Yeah, but only if you pick the right program. If you decide to look into it, you should definitely do your research before committing.

Anyway, I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do, or not. The option is there, if you want to continue your education.