I went to college right out of HS and wasn't ready. Managed to get through, barely, but got lucky to get into computers in the late 60's and have made a career of it every since. Love my job, have had a great life and can't complain.

My son didn't know what he wanted to do when he got out of HS, was accepted to college but ended up going into the Army (recruited into the Army band). Spent 8 years as an enlisted man, got out for 2 years to finish college under ROTC and went back in as an officer.

He is now 40, a Major and will retire next year with a fine pension and paid medical. He is also now in computers so will be able to make the transition to civilian life quickly and easily and be making well into the 6 figures.

Who know what he would have ended up doing if he had gone to college right out of HS but I sincerely doubt he would be as well off as he is not.