Young man seeking guidance

Hey fellas, this is going to be somewhat of a long winded post.
I had the chance to go get a technical certificate in diesel technology after I graduated high school when I was 18.
Like any 18 year old with too much pride for his own good, I didn't do that and went and got a job full time, wasn't paying well and I just wasn't happy...
Fast forward to now, I'm 21, I have 2 kids and will be getting married soon.i have a better paying job at a bread plant that makes buns for mcdonalds working in that maintenance department for $25/hr. I have another chance to go between money I've saved, student aid, and the Pell grant.
I feel like if I don't go and do it now I will spend the rest of my life wondering and thinking about what would've or could've been. This has been my lifelong dream. I love to fix stuff and have been told by almost everyone that I have fixed gas or diesel equipment that I do very good work. I've always loved doing this since childhood when my dad taught me to change oil at 7 and small block swapped a 1991 s10 when I was 12 on top of the countless other projects we've done together.
I feel like this will be hard, going to school during the day, working full time at night, and raising a family but will be worth it in the end when more doors are opened for opportunity. I think I will be happier and more satisfied with the career field....
Any advice on balancing life when you're trying to attend school and Raise a family while working full time?
Thanks for taking time to read this and any advice that you may have from your experience. And sorry if some of it doesn't make sense, this was all written as the thoughts popped up in my brain.

#1 Your significant other needs to be onboard and support you in your efforts because ultimately you will sacrificing home/family time. Chronic complaints and tension can thwart the whole process. That's who you should be asking and if they don't support you that's an entirely different discussion.

I always encourage people to broaden their knowledge base or improve their skillset through whatever means that become available to them including self education and not let others or self inflicted excuses hold one back from achieving one's goals.

If you say I can't, you never will. You have a good attitude about bettering yourself and that's most of the battle.

Yes, Amber is there 100%

Shannon400 said:

Yes, Amber is there 100%

Click to expand...

And that's the other half of the battle. Now it's on you. No excuses. lol

My other thought process it I better do it while the kids are still young, they're only 1 and 2

No one has ever figured out the right answer. Too many variables in a world constantly in flux. Just do the best you can for yourself and family.

I will keep yall updated

First, good on you for asking for advice. The best decisions are made when we are informed, and that's what you're seeking. That in itself shows a certain maturity.

What's best for your family? I'm always in favor of education (not necessarily college, it can be a tech school, apprenticeship, ojt, whatever) but will that education provide a better life for those who depend on you? I work in higher education, I see people every day who are in school because it's expected of them, they don't have any purpose. Unsurprisingly, they usually don't do well.

Keep in mind money is only one aspect of a job, many of my friends, especially the younger ones, took jobs in the coal mines around here. Great money, but they miss out on so much of their kids' lives. Time off is important too.
As a parent and partner you have to understand that any sacrifice you make isn't just your sacrifice, you're asking those you love to give something up as well.

If you can educate yourself and still provide for those counting on you, I say do it. Just make sure that sacrifice is worth it.

Hey man, this point in time is a good time for investment. While we are young, we can handle the strain a lot better than when we are older, so if this investment has more pros then cons, it is a no brainer to go for It! I agree with previous statements on having your spouse’s support. In my opinion behind every great man there is an even greater woman. I know I couldn’t do the things I do if I didn’t have my wife to lean on for support. At the very least you have support from us as well! Best of luck to you sir! You should post your progress on here!

Thanks guys! All input is greatly appreciated