[beardyw]

When I was 18 I had done badly in my school exams due to lack of focus, and just managed to scrape into a degree course in pure maths at a low grade college. I did no work at all except in the pursuit of pleasure and was thrown out after a year. Despite not looking for work I collected benefits, and someone in that office decided I was employable. I was persuaded to go for an interview for a job as a "programmer" (this was 1972). They thought I had potential and took me on. No one expected prior knowledge in those days. I loved the job, they loved me, and I never looked back.

I wish I had some sage advice, but in the end you are who you are and life throws random stuff at you. Start there and work with it.