need advice/help for my future..

Hello everybody, I am new here.. this is my first post.. I need some serious advice and here is my story:

I am 17 years old.. I have been interested in paleontology and dinosaurs since I was younger.. However, I also love music. You see, my plan was to pursue music.. It was a foolish decision, but I never really kept my options open.. Now, I have graduated from high school (without sciences or maths) and I have a year off.. I was doing some serious thinking about the future of music in my life and I'm not really sure if I have the heart or dedication for it.. Now I am seriously thinking about the paleontology path again. I still love paleontology, and I still love music.. but maybe music doesn't have to be professional.. So.. I need some advice.. I might need to go back to high school/adult school to take some courses I might need (sciences..etc maybe?) and a program to take for undergraduate.. (geology?) Also, how is the life for a professional paleontologist? How hard is it to make a living? I'm guessing the struggle might not be as hard as a musician... What kind of jobs are good? (I've heard about teaching, petroleum companies/consultants)

Thanks a lot for reading and hopefully, I'll get some advice.. Thanks again.

I would start by checking how to complete your high school education maybe enrolling to preparatory courses so you'll be able to go on paleontology studies.
There are always jobs in the academy, natural museums, petroleum companies and few other options.
Most of the jobs are not paying too much as they are not really private sector but there are options for publications and better jobs.
Can't really tell which path would make you happier this is something you'll have to figure out on your own just that the life of a paleontologists can be quite exciting arranging for digging delegations and being on the field and then doing the research.

I am not sure where you live, but you might be able to take the classes you need to bulk up in at a community college. A professional paleontologist lifestyle varies greatly on which direction they go (museum, teaching, government work, contracting...). You will never be a billionaire (or a millionaire) being a paleontologist, but as long as you love your work, it should not matter. You can make a living at it, but it is tough, and getting more difficult every year. There often are as little as 3 or 4 jobs in an entire year that are advertised. Right now there is a record number of students in college who intend on making paleontology their career. When they all hit the market looking for jobs there will be even more unemployed paleo people out there. So, in a way, it is like being a musician (although I imagine it is always like that in music land). I hope that is not to discouraging. I love what I do and I am glad I have gone this route. You just have to fight hard to keep your foot in the door and if you are not 100% dedicated to getting what you want, it can be a tough battle.