You have stated that you really don't want to be a vet, so if it were me i would not pursue that career, it will take a long time, lots of hard work, and if it is not really what's in your heart, i think you would find it not very enjoyable, i do think the vet tech sounds the best bet for you,however only you can make that important decision in your life, and 30 is not too old to be qualified, my girlfriend qualified as a lawyer when she was 35 as a solo parent with two children, so never think you are too old.

I know the money for a vet tech is not as good and you might have to move away,but if you enjoy the work and are happy in it, that is the main thing,of course making money is important, but so is your happiness too.

As for the college degree, personally i would still push for my children to complete a degree, my youngest hopefully is endeavouring to do both a teaching and media arts degree, but she is only 15 and that could all change, my son who will be 26 soon, never stayed on at school,although he was a bright lad, he wasted his time there, he really regrets it now, but having said that he is now earning more than is cousin who has a computer degree, what really makes the difference here is your motivation and determination to get on with life, which is what my son now has, i feel he will still go along way without his college education.