That's totally fine! I think that these are really good questions again, and quite a bit more difficult to answer; I grew up on the RI/MA border, as I said, and so what was available to me is different than what is for you. I think it all begins with money. Hate to say it but it's true. Make sure you are reaching your financial goals; I've spent some time on r/personalfinance and that sub is extremely helpful; there is even a space where your recommended financial goals are broken out by age. Then, do some soul-searching. Figure out what kind of income-making you'll tolerate while pursuing your goal of being back in Massachusetts. If you are hoping to live in the Boston area, it's very expensive. You won't love being home as much if you're struggling month to month, so start to think about your interests, what you're good at, and look around at possible career options. I love to hear that you are working hard at your current job; more on that later.

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Two words of advice on career options: do not look at salaries listed on websites. Including college websites. Ask current professionals! I bet you that Reddit has a ton of subs dedicated to different career groups. Secondly, don't get hooked on a super specific job title and go to college for that one thing. For example, I went into geology for college. Not doing geology now! My partner went into psychology in college. Now he's a business manager! But both of us gained what they call "hard skills" in college that helps us in our positions now.

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So once you have begun to envision what you could do in the future (and it should be a very, very wide target), think of how you will make steps today to reach it. You mentioned you are working now--that's great. What are you doing at your job today that will prepare you for, say, a managerial role in your 20's and 30's? When I was in high school, your age, I was working in a kitchen. A coworker told me that he "doesn't give a shit" about this job because "it's the lowest rung job" and he'd do better work at a higher-up position. This isn't true! Everyone starts somewhere. Make yourself indispensable on your team. Take out the garbage more efficiently than anyone else. Have the best customer service at your workplace. Pretend that you are like, a CEO of your own company, and you're there to lead by example. Of course, keep humble. But this will get you so far in both job skills and mindset. Also, job references are important. As for your question about being in the right place at the right time, I will say, most of the opportunities have felt "right place right time" have been due to a great work ethic, good attitude and knowing when to say "yes" to a growth opportunity. This, my friend, is a fertile garden.

After high school, my specific path was community college. I went to CCRI and I commuted from home. I am a big advocate for the liberal arts education, especially if you're unsure of what you want to do. And a huge advocate for the cost efficiency for the associate's degree gained at a community college. You can turn that into a bachelor's degree in two more years. But there are so many more options: trade school, apprenticeships, professional experience. If you still haven't found something compelling, try a semester of community college though. Use the school resources as if you're paying a million bucks to be there! Guidance counselors, professors, career fairs, etc. Also, YouTube videos.

Community college cost is one thing, but if you'll be going for a 4-year degree, don't fall into a ton of debt for it. Student loans are no joke. What seemed like a "small price to pay for a lifetime investment" still haunts me financially, so be very conservative with your choice in education financing.

I'm just saying, you gotta find a tolerable way to make a decent living and have fun. Shoot for at least 50k annual income to get back to Massachusetts. You could rough it, move back here sooner with roommates with a service industry job, but make sure at this age, you are considering your financial situation in the long-term. I make money now, and it is really cool.