I, as netdog put it, reinvented myself once already. I did it when i was 20 yrs. old. Similar to your current situation only in mine I had thought I knocked up a girl. So, I did the smart thing, didn't go back to college after my freshman year, went back home, got a job, moved in with her.

BAD IDEA!! - long story short found out it "may" not be mine, we split, I stayed working. Anyhoo, pot was draggin me down and I had dreams and all that shit.

One Sunday afternoon, ironically enough on shrooms, I had a revelation. On Monday, after work, I headed to the gym. Now I'm from a small town so I had to drive like 16 miles to the next town. I tossed my piece and like half an eighth in the ditch. I didn't touch weed for almost 7 months when I was back in college.

I got back in shape, dropped fifty pounds (265 after fr. yr./ 215 when I went back), went back to school. Coming up on my Sr. year in football, I will be starting, I'm doing good in school sort of. I just turned 23 this month.

Anyway, I've learned that it will take time and you won't just be able to wake up tomorrow and have your problems fixed. But, what you do when you wake up tomorrow can be a damn good start. It's summertime, start looking at community college's in your area or further if you want to get away.(Your friends sound like they can influence you a little, my friends back home did too but that's why I love them)

I'd say that's a good step. It's hard to fine a good paying job where your not busting your ass all day. Go back to school find something that interests you and go for it. But for god's sake don't be a teacher, trust me.

The kid wasn't mine. But I was there to see her born and Baptized. I came up with her name so I'm pissed I can't use it anymore. I found out she wasn't mine when she was 6 months old. For those 6 months I was her daddy and loved her so much. But, me and her mom are both better off it being this way.

Shit, I'm writing a book.

Peace