<prompt> Human: I dont have a degree and cant really afford school on my own right now. I want to start somewhere as entry level If I have to and work my way up. Im very driven and hardworking and I feel like if presented with something new I can figure it out and even make it better over time. My skill set is in mechanics, welding, planning and problem solving but Im wanting to get away from the manual labor industry and into something a little more along the lines of a white collar job.Ive been most successful the couple of times when I was able to lead crews or manage people but I either had to move for personal reasons or quit the job because they wanted me to move around too much. My current employer has made it very clear that once hired here Im my department industrial mechanic there is no room for growth. That the only potential I have here is to be the best mechanic I can be. Im not ok with that.I really want to get away from manual labor and start anywhere really I just want the potential for a well payed position to be available to me provided I work hard and make intelligent decisions along the way. I see all the guys I work with now and theyre beaten down, stressed and you can tell the years of this have been rough on them. I dont want to be that guy. I also workout a lot in my free time its kind of my passion and these physically demanding jobs really take away from that. I guess what Im looking for is suggestions on where to start looking. Im currently taking home 2,800 USD a month after taxes, 401k, insurance and all the other deductions. Its not a lot by any means but Ive gotten comfortable with it. My previous jobs were closer to 2000 so I like making that little extra. Ideally Id like to be taking home 4k a month within the next 5 years but I cant do that here and I dont think I can within this industry. I would appreciate some advice on where I could start looking. Edit: I want to thank everyone that has taken time to respond to this post. There is a lot of solid and helpful information in here. Im not ignoring everyone just currently at work and trying to catch up with this when I can. Bear with me guys and gals. Thanks again!  <response>: If you are a good problem solver with a clean driving record and decent appearance no facial tattoos, crazy piercings, etc. You can learn to become an HVAC technician. Its still fairly hard work but commercial is better than residential. I make 38 per hour and know guys that make 45. Its not unheard of for guys at the top to make 100k and up a year. Im 6 years in and live in CA. 