So I'm in my thirties and just now returning to college after dropping out without a degree back when I was 18/19.

I'm returning because I want to change careers, in fact, to go in to a lower paying career field than I currently work in. My current position, on paper, requires a four year degree. My last job before this one also required a minimum 2 year degree, with preference to a 4 year degree.

Obviously, as a college drop out, I definitely didn't meet the educational standards that had been set for me to enter these jobs. But I still got them. I got them because I had done the work before (experience!) and because I had the chutzpah to apply (confidence!) and face questions about the lack of education and give honest answers (integrity!).

I'm not saying dump any plans or existing college actions you may be following. I'm saying you may feel like you're missing the mark on the 'standard of the day', but as long as you keep at it, and as long as you don't sell yourself short, you'll go places just the same. If you're looking at a career goal that you're passionate about, finding the energy and the additional qualifiers beyond mere education won't be hard. You'll find the jobs that are related to work now, the minor that shows extra effort to further educate in related materials, the internships/volunteer work that show conviction, hard work, and provide life and career skills/experience.

Sure, these days with the goal post always moving, it's easy to feel like Sisyphus. Sure, these days your degree 'is not enough'. But if you're really looking for that career, or at least, the standard of living that career would afford you, you'll make a run for it anyways.

FWIW; the career field I'm leaving may pay better, but I'm past the pay = everything era of my working life and really want something that rewards me with more than good pay and decent benefits. The new field I'm planning to enter only requires a 2 year degree of me (and that's only because I lack requisite experience that would take longer than 2 years of college to attain). The pay will drop (temporarily, I should make what I make now again in 5-7 years) but the job satisfaction should go through the ceiling. And you can't beat being happy at home and happy at work.