[jameskpolk]

I'm guessing that, by posting here, you are probably interested in a programming/tech career. While it's true that you can get hired without any formal education, the unfortunate truth of the matter is that you probably won't, especially in this economic environment.

Get your GED and get into higher education. If a uni. won't take you immediately, take some classes at a local community college and look to transfer up.

College is much more enjoyable than high school -- you might actually learn something ;)

I'm 22, in a university, and already regretting not focusing more on my studies. But I know if I don't get them done now, it'll never happen.

[brianlash]

There's a lot of truth here. I had to begin my schooling at a branch campus because I wasn't accepted at my first choice. But it lit a fire under my butt. I worked hard, took summer courses at a community college, and ultimately transferred up to my first choice (and finished a year early, no less).

Today I regret rushing (that's a different conversation) but my point is that it's fully possible to make a change late in the game. And if you're 17 it isn't late at all.

What I'm saying is don't stress so much. There are a surprising number of opportunities for those who are willing to take the transfer route to a degree. But you've got to do it one step at a time, so (if you're sure it's what you want) get your GED and go from there.

[antiismist]

This is a sound plan if you want to go to college. I'd add to this that there are a lot of JCs that are feeder schools to some great universities, such as Berkeley.

I know two people who did the JC -> Berkeley route. One is still in school, and the other is in Investment Banking (either a big success or a miserable failure, depending on what you think of that career).