I’ve had to reset and start almost from zero twice, so I know how difficult it can be, but it is absolutely achievable. What I am about to write here is all based in my own experience,so I will only be mentioning the core of the things that help me to visualize my path; again, it is based on what I have done to change my professional working life. After that, then you will need to prepare accordingly, set goals, study, etc, etc... The first step is understanding why you want to change direction. From there, identify your strengths and look for a path that aligns them with what you genuinely enjoy. Once those pieces come together, the direction becomes much clearer. After that, there are really two options. You can move into a role within the industry you’re aiming for, or you can build something of your own. The second path carries more risk, but also far greater upside, especially if you’re driven by something you truly care about. The important thing is not to look back years from now wondering what might have been. If you’re going to make a move, this is the moment to do it; a lot of people fail because they do the simplest of things, which is making the move. Good luck.

The fact that you are seeking help is already a sign that you want to better yourself. I am a firm believer that getting an education will improve your chances of success in life, so if you don’t have a college degree yet, go get one. Take classes at your local community college. Or go to a trade school. For example, with AI, there is a shortage of electricians and plumbers to service all those data centers. Develop a plan and then put it into action. You can do this!

Don't forget all the things you can do that don't cost anything. Productive habits, focus, effort, spending time educating yourself. You'll need to think specifically about the kind of job you want to work toward, very specifically. I'd start with getting that down to a very specific answer or a few very specific answers.

Depending on which state you live in, there may be help connected to your local workforce commission. You might qualify to get financial aid or scholarships/grants to pay for training, school, or certifications for a new work skill. I live in Texas and have referred so many clients, mostly teenagers and their parents (!!) to Workforce Solutions in the Houston area. Its a state funded organization that helps adults and youth figure out what kind of job or career fits them best and then helps them get the training or education they need to get there. WS partners with Texas Workforce Commission to connect people to careers and jobs that are actually hiring and help remove the barriers in the way like cost, lack of experience, or not knowing where to start. What state do you live in? There might be additional help with financial assist for school or training at www.auntbertha.com or I think its called www.findhelp.org Either should work.

Finding what you want to do in life is hard but the best advice ive gotten is try to find the intersection between -what you want to do -what youre good at or might be good at (when i say might be good at, think do you like solving problems, do you like reading, do you like writing, do you like talking, that kinda thing, because if you think you might like something, youre more likely to be able to turn it into something youre good at) -what people, companies, the world is willing to pay for and if there isnt much overlap, what you want to do should be the first thing you compromise on. most people think they know what they like but also havent tried a bunch of things or experienced those things in different settings - you might be surprised by what you learn to enjoy. figure out what fits those 3 and you should have something you can build on top of. The hidden bit is opportunity though, what youre likely to get - do you know people in an industry who can mentor you, introduce you to people, do you live in a place that has some untapped opportunity, etc.