Neither of my parents finished high school and didn't value education but they did value hard work and they encouraged me to get a trade. I joined the military,

Neither of my parents finished high school and didn't value education but they did value hard work and they encouraged me to get a trade. I joined the military, got a trade there, and now in my early/mid 30's I'm completing a CS degree. Working for others isn't such a bad life if you have the drive to establish a life that you want for yourself.