Hello again Rocky, unfortunately your story is echoed all over the world. In my area that is like a broken record that keeps playing over and over. Once again I'm surmising here, it sounds like you got out of high school and went right to work at the company you figured to retire from.
     Being an educator myself, as well as having extensive ties to industry, I do support a goal of constantly working to attain quality education. As I mentioned however, you as an individual and your particular situtation have to work to make it happen. Many times a person will only have one chance to realize a dream or capitalize on an opportunity. If now is your time then you should certainly get after it. Just keep in mind that your education at this point in your life might also include other family members and those who depend upon you. In other words, if you have a wife and kids, they also have a vested interest in your education so you have to make them a part of it and work to form an understanding that all of you have to work together to maximize on your opportunities. If your family is involved and understanding of the worth of your schooling you will definitely make immense gains and teach your children valuable life lessons at the same time. Whether you end up taking a formal educational road or working and learning as you go, keep your eye on the journey and not the destination. I believe just about everyone who is on this forum will agree that the learning never ends, there is always an unanswered question, a new process, a new technique, a different perspective, so don't ever close your mind to the new and different possibilities that will come before you. The welding trades have endless possibilities and encompass huge amounts of different skills and challenges. I believe some of the other folks have already mentioned many of the different avenues that you could pursue. Very briefly consider that building trades have a vast array of required welding skills, manufacturing is the same way, piping and chemical processing is huge, welding material sciences and associated fields can be a part of the overall picture, inspection and quality control is a part of every form of welding or material joining, almost anywhere you look there is some form of materials joining that is taking place and you could become a part of. Keep on asking questions and continue to keep us all posted. Best of luck to you and regards, Allan