Does shoplifting actually at the end of the day make a difference or is it just a life of crime?

This is pretty much it. I’m contemplating life as a thief after I turn 18, and this is pretty much my main question. I’m pretty desperate and pretty much I’m on the last 3 months of senior year - so I’m thinking very seriously about this. I’d like to know if it does, or if a life of crime is worth the risk of getting caught and having a criminal record on top of everything else. Any advice is appreciated!