I've always been guided by chose a field you want to work in and you will probably never “work” a day in your life. If that field is working with your hands or if you are mechanically inclined, try a trade: A/C; Carpentry, Plumbing etc. If you see a future in another area, assess the opportunities at the other end of your path before starting.
In my case I loved photography (circa 1960). A mentor told me it was a difficult field. I considered Rochester Institute as I figured there would be a job at Kodak at the end. Fortunately for me, I could not afford it so I got a starter job at a bank and began an entry job in tada: Electronic Data Processing. I found I did not like it. Local College for Accounting, Army as a CI Agent, loved the work, and 35 years later left the investigative field feeling like I never worked a day in my life.
I recommend having a good mentor, a practical outlook, and experience (like a job or the military) to get a feel for what you will end up doing. Unfortunately, most “guidance” counselors today and part time parents, don't have the experiences or skills to guide anyone except into the “get a degree” choice.
EXCELLENT advice. WISE advice.
Most can’t differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.