Allicia,

It feels to me like our society expects people to be leading a life that goes something like: go to school, enter higher education, get a job, create a family, buy a house, settle down. There’s so much pressure during our teens to know EXACTLY what you wish to do and have your life sorted there and then. Actually, things rarely work out so simply, and I wish they didn’t reinforce that idea!

Many people study something only to find they no longer enjoy it. Or 15 years later, realise they want to change their job and start afresh. People do this at all ages, and it’s totally okay to go in a new direction. The time you’ve spent studying so far won’t have been wasted – while you mightn’t be using the architecture skills you’ve learnt, I imagine you have grown as a person since you first started. You might not feel like you have any other skills, but no-one does until we go out and learn them! 🙂

You aren’t all alone if you don’t finish, although I understand why you feel that way. I’m a little older than you and haven’t even been to college, but many of my friends from high school have since finished their studies. I feel so left behind sometimes, like I’m not at their ‘level’ in some way. But actually, it’s not fair on ourselves to compare our lives to others. Everyone is going at a different pace, on a different trial, and there’s no finish line to cross. The hurry you feel, I have felt too, but I’m starting to see the pressure isn’t really there. It’s my life, and I’m going at my own speed, learning new things, making mistakes, changing direction always. As long as you’re always moving towards what you makes you feel content with yourself, that’s what matters.

I’m new to replying on here.. I hope I’ve not got carried away or misunderstood anything, and I’m terribly sorry if I have! Am excited to read more of your posts.

– norit