I was a structural engineer, could noy handle office politics and lack of accountability, so i quit. Became an officer in the coast guard, got injury, was given a choice of ride a desk to no where( soo as my time was up i was gone no chance of promotion) or take a medical. So i got out and was a boomer for awhile. Made enough to buy some toys and flip a few houses. Found a hot red head doc that only once have i made leas than her ( 2008)
What i tell young people. Dont go to school for what you like. Go for what you find you are good in and can make a living at. Dont go for the bs they tell you. Look at real world numbers. How much they make, how many arr needed and how many are there looking for that job. I got my degree in math,with heavy engeneering ( i did qualify for the pe test) which was not even close what i wantes when i got to college. I wanted to be a hs physics teacher. I had a great one, infacr the year after i garduated hs, he was named the best science teacher in the nation. Once i started ece, i learned the bs and me would not agree.
I also tell them, its not what you know, its who. Make contacts, talk to people.
If you are in the service industry, you have to sell yourself. They can get the same service down the street, what theu cant get it is you.