I dropped out of high school and worked in retail for a few years and eventually IT before I went to uni in my mid to late 20s. I was earning ok money (above the median average) but the work I was doing wasn't stimulating enough. I could've theoretically have gotten where I am at now without a degree, but the simple fact that I was enrolled in a program opened up so many doors in of itself that I think it's a plus.

I had a rough childhood so school was the last thing on my mind (and what contributed to me dropping out in the first place) and while I don't blame myself for dropping out, I still wish that I stuck to it. It would've made a massive difference in my life. In some ways I feel like I am a decade or so behind where I ought to be.

For those of you in Australia, I'd recommend going to TAFE after you finish school and doing a Cert IV or a Diploma in an area that interests you and see how you like that. If it interests you, go on to do a degree. Otherwise, you'll have some extra skills that will come in handy. For those in the US, I guess an associates would be somewhat equivalent, and the same advice applies. It's better to dip your toe in, and find that it's not for you than to not try at all and set yourself back for years to come later down the track.