Essentially, you pick a path that in this moment a) you feel like doing, b) you have access to, and c) aligns sufficiently with your values, expectations and life needs. You can be very strategic about it, or you can wing it, there are no correct answers.

Then when you get older and are in a different place in life, chances are you become ready for something new, and then you go do that.

Careers and goals don't need to be forever, change is guaranteed and "life" is an awfully long time to decide on when you're young.

Not to mention that physical jobs in e.g. manufacturing have been highly automated by "the robots" for decades

While there has always been room for middle-of-the-road "content", there have also always been those that seek a higher value. I expect that segment to only grow.

Swedes seem to be context-driven in this regard. There are certain places and activities where it's OK to strike up small talk, outside of those accepted situations, they keep to themselves. One I have found is sports, this winter I've had casual chats with about 80% of the people I come across at my local ski trails. But it's mostly at the starting point or at the car park, not while you're training. Another one is regular organised activities, e.g. check out your local friluftsfrämjandet, or activities around specific interests and hobbies, and show up somewhat consistently. Every kommun will typically have a registry of local clubs on their website, it's called a föreningsregister, read through it and see if something strikes your fancy.

Luckily, as foreigners, we typically get a bit of a pass for not being entirely up to snuff with the social rules, but knowing some Swedish will help you.

Good luck !