Career choices and best way to start myself off

If college isn't in the cards (which is fine if it isn't, it wasn't for me, I could write a novella about this), I would strongly suggest looking to get in a trade. I can't recommend it enough. Welder, pipe fitter, electrician, etc.

If I could start all over again, I'd join the navy and use them to teach me a trade or some sort of specialization.