I'm in a bit of a crossroads in my life right now. I've been in junior college for a while now, with the intention of transferring to a university and eventually getting a masters in history. It's my intention to become a professor at the junior college level, but I have my doubts. I know what the job market in academia is like, though it isn't quite as bleak where I live. My grandfather is also offering me an opportunity to work for him and learn from him. He's incredibly skilled in a very esoteric trade, and he pays pretty well. My uncle and brother already work for him, and they seem to enjoy it. Thing is, it's a big commitment. 80-100 hour weeks at times, sometimes out working in extreme heat, and it would keep me away from home and away from my girlfriend. All of that I can live with, but I know it would nag at me, the thought that I could've done what I'm really passionate about (i.e. teach history), which it must be said is probably an easier life than trade work.
What on earth should I do? I'm at the point in my life that I should be making some real money, though I'm not hurting for it right this moment. If I can't get the degrees without a mountain of debt, I likely just won't do it, but even if I can manage that, I'd like to know that it won't be impossible to find a job that doesn't involve treading water as an adjunct.
Edit: Wow, I did not expect this many responses. Thank you all so much for your kind words and insight. If nothing else, you've all reassured me that I'll probably be alright either way. I've at least got a fair few options to choose from, and I know many would gladly trade places with me. I'll do my best not to waste it.
Like most of my passions, I struggle to explain it rationally. It's like gravity really, just another fact about my reality. I enjoy history and know that I would enjoy teaching it, simple as that. I suppose there's tutoring, but you can't exactly pay the bills on that either. I'm not above teaching high school either, but it certainly isn't my first choice.
I like working with my hands well enough too, so that wouldn't be unbearable. I just worry about getting stuck in it. I'm young and strong now, but so were my grandad and my uncle. That kind of work takes its toll.
It would feel like a waste, spending all this time on school to not even get a degree, but that's probably the sunk cost fallacy talking. I'm given to understand that a fair number of history majors never go into teaching at all, but instead wind up working for libraries or museums. I love the outdoors as well, and wouldn't mind working as a historical interpreter or something for a national park or whatnot.
You got a good outlook, just remember that it’s okay to try and fail especially if you got people who can pick you back up.
You could always work at your Grandpa's for a couple years and make industry connections to move to a less physically demanding job that still requires knowledge of that trade - like the kind of company that would hire your Grandpa, if there is such a thing.
Don't forget that monetizing the things you love can turn them into a job - there could be other ways to express your passion, too, like participating in reenactments or volunteering for a museum.
And don't forget - you're still young. There's time to change your mind, no matter what you choose.