<prompt> Human: About 10 years or so ago I picked up my first bottle, and a few months ago I think I set drinking down for good thanks to the support of the woman Im hoping to marry. While Im proud of this accomplishment, as well as mostly overcoming depression, Im much farther behind than I should be in this stage of my life.At the moment Im sadly still living at home, and on top of that my work experience is lacking. For the past five years Ive been working at a local restaurant which is the only experience I have to put on a resume. Im now down to only 2,000 saved up due to a medical emergency but fortunately am debt free.So Id like to ask a few questions... how bad is my situation? Is it too late to go back to school with the intention of making a career out of it? What should my next move be? Any general advice to give? Im glad Ive conquered my addiction however I need help salvaging the wreckage its left on my life.Edit: Thank you so much everyone for all of the advice and support. I was worried I had more or less ruined my life but Im glad thats not the case. Ill definitely start looking into my trade school, community college, and culinary options.  <response>: When I was 27 I had about 3000 in savings and 5000 in a Roth ira,and my only work experience was also in the service industry. Im 31 now with a house, career and a lot more in savings and retirement. My point is you are not behind at all! These things happen fast, and now that you quit drinking theyll happen faster. My suggestion is to get in on the ground floor of a good company with opportunity for advancement. Use family and friends as contacts to gain an entry level position. Gain skills on the job, work hard and communicate to your managers that you are serious about moving up in the company. 