what would be your best recommendation for

If there's a will there's a way. Finishing college is not limited to number of years, I mean if bachelor's degree will take you 5 years, you can have it more than 5 if you wanted. Going into college is my recommendation, as far as earnings is concern and position from a company depend on your profession. If you have enough money to support your education then go ahead, but if not then you can have lots of opportunities to earn while studying and it is happening this days. It is good also if you can avail an scholarship program, others are working in their day time and going to school for 4 hours in the evening. Of course need a lot of sacrifices doing so, but at the end you are the one who will benefits for all of this.

why not apply for a scholarship? college may be expensive, but there are ways to mitigate the otherwise burdensome costs. try asking for support from a non-government organizations. from your relatives, and friends. or simply try looking for a parttime job