How did you improve your life after 18/college/training?

Your Answer doesn't have to be that criteria, but I'm wondering how your journey began or is going. Some people begin their lives early or late, and others shift in the middle to a new career.

While I am essentially asking for advice - I currently have a routine and path which I am looking for alternatives for - I am also just curious to see how others can, are, or have turned their lives in another direction.