Join the Air Force then go to college under the GI bill and learn something practical that I liked and could get me a job upon graduation anywhere in the country.

A college degree is not worth nearly what is was a few years ago, unless you are aiming at a particular career such as law, medicine, etc..

The trades are where the big money is now. Very few people want to really work; that is, to be productive.

In my part of the Country, guys who are motivated and not afraid to work are pulling down six figure incomes in their early 20's, doing things like flooring installation, tile, interior painting, radiant heat, kitchen remodel, real estate services, etc..

I hate to say it, but I wouldn't recommend the military to any young person today. I may change my opinion if the political climate makes a big and permanent change. The few career military folks I know are all scrambling to retire due to the woke direction the military is taking. I have one friend who has been in for 20 years, he has about 800 guys under him, he is now taking orders from a 23 year old lesbian.

I was thinking about in 1965 when I graduated from high school. Yes, today I may think about a technical program. As far as a four year program maybe a degree in Civil Engineering or something similar.

Professional trapper and lure maker
Or..
A butcher

the only thing I would change is I would invest when I was young early teens, when I was 16 I had 9 guys working for me all summer, if I would have had the advice from someone to invest, I would be rich by the time I was 50

i wouldn't do much, if anything, differently. I 'm pretty happy the way things turned out.

Loved what I did . Would recommend trades to the up and coming workers

Move West when I was Young...

Was in a similar position so joined the Navy, (couldn't get in 1st or 2nd choice due to having had polio then still ended up spending most of my 22 yrs with 1st choice) if person decides to enlist pick a field ( NEC/MOS) that can be used after getting out that they enjoy

I wouldn’t change a thing. I like how things turned out.

If your good at math consider a mechanical or electrical engineer, need college but you can actually get a job, same with pharmacist.
Otherwise the trades are all high paying and low cost to get into.

Lineman, two of my buddies boys got into it and great money, no college debt. When they are out
on call they make upwards of $95 an hour depending on area plus per day money. One was in the navy
for 4 years first, the other went right in after a 2 year associates degree

My son retired after 20 years last summer.
He gets a pension, health care is covered and he just signed up for GI bill.
Started a electrician apprenticeship last summer.
Between all his benefits and pay he'll be pulling down close to 100K without any OT.

Myself, I don't know, I did pretty good, I'm happy with my choice
Quit college after 1 semester, figured it was a waste of time and money.
Went to a tech school, went into the trades (Tool & Die) ended up owning my own business, sold it and retired at 50.

I agree with this.

College is a waste of money and time for most of the degrees, only ones worth anything are in the STEM fields.

Another advantage of the trades is its easy to start your own business and or do moonlighting depending upon your field.

As far the Military my Son who just got done with 20 in the Navy says the same thing, its becoming a joke.

No matter which way one goes the secret to doing well is not as much as what you do but how you do it. Put your hours in, watch and learn form others while keeping your trap shut, always try to do better, admit your mistakes freely and be willing to do more.
Your investing in yourself, if your current job doesn't pan out quit and change jobs, leave on good terms.
Bosses, workers and customers talk to each other, if your a stand up guy the word gets out, will always have people willing to hire you.

Jeez I'd Say!!! Congratulations

I would also consider very seriously doing what Wolfie is doing , the river boats particularly if I had no interest in kids.

work when at work and find a place to call home base when not on the boat where I could do the things I wanted.

shoot ,hunt, fish.

I would become a gun designer with my last name being thompson and the thompson machine gun patent up I think I can make a new line of thompson guns for the military

The American Dream. Most of the discussion above centers on making big money. I am surprised at this. We all profess to a wish for a good life, and yes, it does include making money. But, honestly, would you be happy having a boring, no-excitement job for 20-30 years, or would you rather look back with good memories? To me, it was worth the meager paycheck to jump in the plane or the boat every day, work the extra 4 hours for no pay 'cause it was fun, put in that weekend for no pay 'cause it was exciting, live a life of memories? I can honestly say that I looked forward to each and every day; work that I loved. I was on a 20-year retirement, 'cause the mortality rate was so high (airplane/helicopter crashes). I worked 27 years (7 years past what I needed) and can honestly say I looked forward to every day I was at work.

Jack

My dad always told me I had 2 choices , 1 go to college and be a professional ( DR, Lawer, Nurse) something that absolutely needs a degree and people can't live without, Or be a service provider (trades) that the professionals can't live without ie. heating and air tec, auto repair, plumber etc.

So I became a cowboy lol

Couldnt agree with you more Gulo.
If you do what you enjoy the money seems to pile up anyway.