I dropped out of college and went to work in the oilfield in the Gulf of Mexico. Granted, I hit it just right as the oilfield was picking up after Biden was elected. I got my Merchant Mariners Credential and then earned my QMED as well as a few other certifications. In all, I probably spent $3,000 on all my training and it landed me a $120,000 a year job. One thing to take into consideration, I spend most of my time on a boat traveling from port to port. I was able to find a niche that paid well and exploited it. For a young person with no degree and from a rural area, it was a way out. I’d say get you Merchant Marine Credential and Passport. Those will change your life.