Finished GCSes, did A levels then went to uni to study Marketing (had already done business at GCSE and A level). By the final year (It was a 4 year course) I knew I wanted to work in Advertising.
Left uni, worked at a specialist healthcare ad agency for 4 years then left last Nov to work closer to home. I now work in a dead end job with not many prospects doing something I dont enjoy

(You know that crap in the back of newspapers / magazines, I put together the offers and ads for that). I regret leaving my last job now, but it had to be done at the time as working condtions had become intolerable (all teh while the Chairman was living it up on his boat in spain).
Am now consdiering starting something myself with my other half. Her dad imports for a living so we are talkign to him about bringing something across and selling it oursleves. It's kinda what I do now, but at least I will be lining my own pocket and not someone elses.