Solve your personal problems first. You're lonely and afraid of people, but you clearly want to NOT be lonely or afraid of people. That will make you miserable

Solve your personal problems first. You're lonely and afraid of people, but you clearly want to NOT be lonely or afraid of people. That will make you miserable no matter what your work is, or whether you go back to school. Those issues are scratching the surface, but you're going to feel inadequate professionally as long as you feel inadequate personally. FTR: "Shy" is not who you are, it's how you act. And "introverted" only describes the state that helps you "recharge your batteries," not whether or not you understand people and how to act with them. I used to have pretty strong phobia of social situations, would never go to parties if I didn't already know everyone there, etc., and now everybod thinks I'm a fucking butterfly, so believe me -- you can change. And that made a huge difference in my life, deciding that I would conquer it, and doing it -- I made true, deep friends for the first time in my life and my life improved dramatically in every way. For starters, if you're scared, force yourself to go to social situations you'd normally steer clear of. Go to a party. Say hi to two people. Try to make small talk. After 2 people, give yourself permission to stop trying. Next time, make it 4 people. Do something against your nature, like wearing a really loud outfit or bringing food and asking everyone if they tried it. I dyed my hair green. Forcing yourself to try the opposite of what you normally do - show off instead of hide - is extremely illuminating. None of this will actually hurt you, so don't let your fear win. Read The Hard Truth about Soft Skills along with How to Win Friends. They're good. Good luck.