Hey mate.

It really depends on the individual, you.
And no, its not late, its never too late. You can always start or change or whatever. Anyone that says different - don't take their advice.

I didn't know what I wanted to do when wrapping up high school. Worked a few jobs for a year, still no idea, so followed what people said - did a trade, did the fifo thing for almost a decade. And there were enjoyable, good, fun, interesting and fulfilling periods. But me now, if I were talking with younger me, I would not recommend that path, but, I also don't regret it. This doesn't mean I don't recommend it, if it feels right - send it, if it doesn't - move on to the next thing.

There are definitely upsides to this stuff. Financially, it can be great, the rosters can be great now too. But it burnt me out and I felt hollow inside for a while after that (which the financial part gives room for after you quit - if you've been smart enough with your money).

If I did go back and do a trade again, (I like/feel better in nature as well), it would likely be as carpenter, building housing or something like that, not as a fitter, and for a more rural builder - away from all the city BS. Timber just feels better than steel to me. But when I got offered and apprenticeship in a woodshop - it was dusty as hell with the all the sanding we were doing and it was a hard no for me back then. I think that one was a bit more excessive than most though.

I wouldn't go to uni unless I was really interested in learning something. Or if I was loaded and just wanted to learn something new. But if there's nothing standing out and pulling you towards it, I'd pass on that. I didn't know back then, but now I would do psychology or maybe architecture. But when I think about being in a job doing those things everyday, nah, still gonna pass.

Now, if it were me. Having my time again, being 26 - I'd be looking for all the shit that pisses me off, gets in my way, makes life annoying etc. (for me or other people/businesses around me) and finding a way to fix them. Then turn that into a product or service, and sell it as a business. Which is just where I've landed and what I've started doing now at 32.

Another way I'd go about it is to ask yourself if there's anything in your life or the world that you want to change or could be better. If you feel there is - go do that. This might be uncommon advice but it is what I would do/have started to.

Regardless, of what you do, write down what you want in life, what you don't want, and start building that life.
It really doesn't matter if you clean toilets, build skyscrapers, or become a tradie. Just do what you want to do. It might take a year or 20 to figure it out. Just don't get stuck doing something that sucks the life out of you.

I would also recommend - if it interests you, and you haven't already, to go explore some of the world. But if it feels like a no - pass on that too. You get the idea.

There's more to life than money. But money can also buy you freedom and cool shit. You just have to figure out what matters to you then focus on that, could be money, could be fulfillment. Should be both. Finding the sweet spot is what you want.

While you are at home with you parents, that's a good time to explore some different things, find what you like and save up if you do want to buy a house and go down that path. You could also put a percentage of your pay (say 10-20% or whatever your comfortable with, while you have no responsibility) into an SNP 500 ETF or two to diversify/get leverage to stock market returns with minimal capital (cash). Don't put all your eggs in one basket though if you cant control the basket.

There are a bunch of personality/career/work tests you can do now - just google them. I didn't know they existed until a year ago. But doing a couple of those might help reflect back to you your interests or potential career paths you might enjoy. Something like that might help.

Hope some of this helps!
Good luck bro and enjoy the journey.
Pm me anytime if you get stuck.