There's a lot going on in this thread, but quite a ways upthread, you mentioned philosophy. I have a BA, MA, and PHD in Philosophy - and oddly enough, that was "Plan B" for my life. Plan A focused on marriage and family - the universe has had something else in mind so far. But I chose philosophy because it fascinated me. My dad thought I might like it and I avoided it for a while because of that, but I took one course and was hooked. I really like the way we examine abstract ideas, and pick them apart and put them back together, look at the logic behind them, and (believe it or not) think about the real world. You learn good logic and problem-solving skills (as you do in other fields as well), but it isn't so readily applicable to a "real-world" job. I work in higher ed administration right now - thanks to the skills I picked up at part-time jobs along the way. I also teach part-time, which allows me to do the philosophy I enjoy.
If I were in my last year of high school, I'd be headed to college again, even if I didn't know what I wanted to study. The American system allows for an "undeclared" major more easily than others do, though. You take some "general education" courses and figure out what you want to do. It does buy you some time. But if someone has a talent elsewhere, I wouldn't insist they go this route. My cousin is a gifted carpenter - and college would have been a terrible choice for him. He can make a decent living doing what he enjoys without a college degree. With your goals of a good education, your own business and a nice house, I'd suggest you go to college and look into a business degree/program. There are some newer programs out there in non-profit management, if you want to go that route (though there's not a lot of money there).
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