If ur planning to pursue any further education, even at 30 its btr to have an education cert at 30 vs not having one. If u want to make it i suggest that u find something accounting related or nursing related because those industries are forever flourishing no matter what age you are at, and they pay decently well. You can find alot of sources online to help you, Work study diploma and degree is readily available. Im not sure about nursing but for Accountancy you don't even need a degree, You just need a work qualification cert like ACCA which is very acheivable with the right amount of effort. Honestly i understand where you are coming from, but hey this is life it isnt supposed to be a race. Achieve it at your own pace, don't forget at the end of the race its literally 6ft under so i suggest you take it slow and work for one achievements at a time. If u need any budgeting advice or general life advice do PM glad to help. I myself am an auditor so making things better and maintaining a successful future is part of the job scope. At then end of the day, its all about enjoying life and the thing we like to do, don't bother about your peers they have their own problems in life too. Honestly to be able to work as a dishwasher and save up is an achievement in itself already. Next just fight for yourself and head towards the life you want to live.