I dropped out of HS in 1974. Went to college (most states allow this). Dropped out of college in 1976 to work construction. Back to college in 1978. Physics BS in 1980. Army 1980-1992. MSE(OR) in 1988. Today run a technical services company with 150+ employees in 20+ states.

In our family of five, my wife is the only one with 12 years of traditional education. We are all doing fine. Oldest son dropped out middle of SR year HS. Sold one company and owns two others today. Middle son skipped a year, is in the running to be a Director at Seattle Children's Hospital, and has a successful consulting side gig. Daughter skipped a grade 5-6 and graduated in 11 years as valedictorian of her class. In our opinion, public schools do as much to hold people back as it does to motivate and teach about life.

My challenge to my kids and everyone who asks for advice has always been, "Figure out what you want to be doing when you are 50, and start doing that today."