Stressed about University

[Jimmy19]

Okay, so I am 2 and a half weeks away from finishing my first year at University however I am hating what I do.

I am studying Industrial Design and have been flat out doing my 3 subjects, however 2 of those subjects take up a lot of my time and I have let the last one slip to the point where I doubt it is possible for me to pass any more. Obviously I feel extremely disappointed in myself, but at the same time I no longer want to follow that career.

I have got a job interview this week for a casual supermarket position so I got that going for me right now (the unemployment in my area is ridiculous). The problem is that I have no idea what I want to do any more. I feel like a disappointment to my family and feel like I'm getting left behind by my peers.

[TheSteve]

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry to hear that you feel you are in a bind right now. 

I'll tell you that regardless of the path you choose to go down, the one path you should avoid at all costs is "stressing" about taking a certain path right now. "Stress" is the worst path, hands down. If you are 18/19 years old, then you have so much time and life ahead of you. Let me tell you that it is almost impossible to "know" what you want to do with your life to any degree of specificity at present. Most people undertake radical changes of direction in their lives several times, especially in their early/mid 20's.

Personally, I am three industries and two degrees removed from where I started at age 18. 

Your selected course is quite specific, and if you are finding out that it is not for you, perhaps something more "general" is the go? Perhaps Commerce or something of a more general nature, which will provide you a grounding but also allows you to get specific at a later date, when you have a better idea of what you wish to do?

Why not take a supermarket position? But why not do it part-time while studying a general course at uni? Have the best of both worlds mate.....it can be done. I would not ditch one for the other at this stage, there is no need to.

Don't feel like you have let your family down. Our parents grew up in a time of great abundance when it came to finding a job, and obtaining cheap housing. We were not so lucky. Therefore, don't compare yourself to your parents. 

Mix it up, do what makes you happy, but please don't stress. Take it from somebody who knows - it is not worth it!

Come back and chat anytime friend. All the best.

Steve

[_steph_]

Hey Jimmy, I was in a similar position to you at the end of last year (in a degree i really wanted but ended up hating). You sound like you've lost motivation, and it's understandable. Don't let yourself get caught up in ideas of disappointment in yourself - it's true what they say, we're all our own worst critics. Don't let yourself think you are a disappointment to your family, their pressure is most likely rooted in their concern for your future.

Try to look at the bottom line of the situation, that you're in a bad place and would like a way out. Your first step is to figure our what you don't like about your course. Then think about your strengths: write a list. Are you good with people? good with your hands, or creative, or compassionate? Then take a look at some broad areas of study, don't discount things you may have in past.

Also don't discount taking a break! Try volunteering or working for a semester or two and come back with fresh eyes and a new perspective. Hang in there, find a cause you can commit to, and look forward.

All the best x