I mean as someone going to university currently, I'm not really one to talk, but I think higher education (post-highschool) is a bit too strongly pushed by society, and it's really not for everyone, nor is it really straight up better than just getting a job or some kind of apprenticeship and working. different things work for different people.
As for the title, you're not on a train. you're on a boat in an ocean of options and can go in any direction, just make sure to conserve your fuel and not blow out your engine.