But I think my main point is both of us have a way of becoming sustainable so you might as well do what makes you happy instead of working a job you hate for 8 years. Being a waiter making 40k isn't enough long term, but working your way into a higher end establishment or management is. A girl I dated started out as barista, became a store manager, and is now the regional manager and makes ~125k a year and more importantly she is a perfect fit for the job and enjoyed it the entire time.
All I'm trying to say is there are a lot of paths to a sustainable life even when following your natural inclinations.
But anyway OP responded his son's not super interested in college anyway so his plan sounds good to me anyway.
Seems to me like your hygiene factors are all taken care of, but the motivators are lacking. I hope I get to be in your situation soon, as I got laid off and trying to get back in.
I grew up having to do two part time jobs and go to school part time to put myself through college (late start too, only graduated at 25). I wasn’t financially prudent post-college either, took me a few years to get that taken care of as well. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think I can have enough money - which I acknowledge can be a recipe for misery but I think I’m ok being miserable if I had loads of money.
And idk. My best friend from high school moved out here with me and he's a waiter making 40k a year and seems totally happy. Works like 30 hours a week, no mental stress, able to work out and work on himself. I think money is highly overrated.