<p>I understand what you are saying.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if this will help or not, but I've found throughout my career (relatively short as it has been) that there are two different types of people: those who are satisfied with their job being a means to an end and those who need to be satisfied by their career. It sounds like you are the former--and there is nothing wrong with that.</p>
<p>Here's an example: Right now I'm working as an accountant making a comfortable living--high school dropout taking night classes at the local community college. I realized a few years ago that I need a career that is satisfying to my love of research and learning and I've always loved genetics, so I am working hard so I can transfer in a couple of years and work towards that goal. I will need the schooling to satisfy that goal.</p>
<p>In the office next to mine is a woman who has been working for this company for 15-16 years as the "shipping department". Certainly not a glamourous job and not something that she is passionate about. Her passions lie more with her family and this job gives her income to help provide for her kids and flexibility to spend time with them. On top of that, it is something easy that doesn't require much education.</p>
<p>I would like to tell you that if you decide that you are the person who simply needs a job as a means to an end; you still need to think about what you want to do, what you can do, and how you are going to make it work. My boyfriend is one of those whose passions are found in his hobbies, but he still works very hard to make sure that he can afford those hobbies (and the rest of the bills as well).</p>
<p>You don't have to go to college, it is really up to you.</p>