Went to Uni but dropped out in the 2nd year, did factory work while still living the student life, went into retail for a few years then after an acrimonius split up with an ex, went home with my tail between my legs and got an office job as an entry level jobsworth - found that it suited my mentality and ended up going down the Project management route which has taken me into some interesting jobs - helicopter gps systems, aircraft carriers, submarines, water pipelines and some things i cant talk about.
It has meant living away from home but it has meant that i've earned a good amount, that i would never have been able to do at home......yes its meant i've missed being there for some of the kids big moments, but technology has certainly meant it is easier to do now.
Although id say that my work/home life balance is slightly skewed towards work, i'm happy with the choices i've made.
Interestingly, a colleague yesterday, who is a contractor, said that he could get into the planning department of the project i am currently on and if i was willing to go contracting, i could earn many times what i'm on now.....which in theory would mean i could retire in 3 or 4 years instead of the 20 i've got 'officially' left.....but it would mean a lot more hours and a lot more time away form home.