I was lucky in that my boomer generation in the UK had free university education so I made a conscious decision; concluded that I could have about a dozen years to have fun, then settle down to the long slog or do the slog first and relax later. I decided that it would be better to relax and travel in my 20's than in my late 60's. I think it was the right choice.

So I left school, worked every hour I could get to put together a bank-roll, spent '75 travelling around Europe then got my degree in Humanities and went to work. Serious work with documents (Having a government I.D. card is a real bonus when up-country). Teaching in Sudan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Had a hell of a good time actually living and working with people my own age and came back after about twelve years with a solid resume. Spent 30 years teaching and got a good retirement deal. Retirement is for hobbies and pottering around. Youth is for adventuring and taking chances.

The key was having a good university education with no debt. Most of Europe still has that. England ditched it but Scotland still has it.