Is study really that important? Making your own decisions..

So, i don't know if anyone had been through something like.. Your life changes 1000 times in a month?

So let me start, I am 20, and all of the important decisions that i made during my life, were somehow influenced by other people, like my parents, for example..

First when i entered high school, i wasn't sure what "path" i should take, there were a few like.. Langues, science, economics, etc.. My father works in a bank, and he always wanted me to be like him... So he always told me to go for economics.. And "in fear" that i would disappoint him, i went there.. And it didn't go very well, i failed math, i always fail at math... So there were 2 choices... Do math again, while in the first year of college, as they now allow us to go to college, but we need to do that extra subject we still have in 2 years or else you're out.. And i could just do another thing we have in Portugal, that allows the students with just 1 subject left, to do a special project, defend it against a jury and if we succeed it they give us the high school diploma... Well, since my father wanted me to go for math, as the "special project" for him, was something that the dumb people would do.. Well, i failed at math once again... Next year i chose to do the project, and it went better then i could ever expect...

So but in College, i had to do my decision again, what path should i take? I didn't really know what i wanted to go for, i was thinking to go for translation, as i am really good in languages, but once again my father told me, to go for economics.. Well, fucking dumb me! What i did? I went for economics! And i failed 2 years, and i didn't even told him, as he was really proud of me..

Now this year, has been the hardest year of my life.. I mean, I.. My life changes every week! So, this year i was going to college, and change what my study subjects, the problem was, what i wanted (international relations), as it seemed to be a very good choice and the subjects attracted me.. The classes would only be at night on my college, because the teachers were already full in the morning and afternoon.. Well, i talked to my mother about it, and then she told me to go get a job, to stop 1 year to get my ideas fixed.. So well, i was with my mind in only one thing, get a job! I sent a lot of CV's , but my dad told me he could get me a job in a sports shop (he still doesn't know i am about to quit college..) and i accepted it, obviously, as i needed to do something for when i told him i was gonna quit college, at least i wouldn't be standing still without arguments.. Well, they called me to go for a job interview, i went there, everything went ok, they told me they would call.. "later" basically (we might call you if we have a spot..), since they haven't told me anything else for a month, i talked to my uncle, as he has a good job, in a good position on the Lisbon port (for ships), he told me he could get me a really good job, i would learn what i have to do there, they would teach me and help me, and it's nothing really hard, just changing some documents between the port and the ships, and being able to talk English with them.. I was really happy! He told me i'd be winning 1k+ month, and that i could get promotions and ending up winning way more.. (in the sports shop i'll probably win 400 euros MAX!).. And once again i am fucked.. The guy from the sports shop called me today, to say they have a spot for me.. I couldn't refuse, i mean, my uncle would only put me working there after a while, probably 1/2 weeks, and this job starts now.. And my father talked to the guy to get me the job..

The problem.. My parents think i need to keep studying to be.. "something" in life, they want me to work to get money and then next year start college again.. (my mother just wants to see me happy tbh, but my father..), but.. After what my uncle told me, i was feeling happy, that i could actually be a part of something nice, winning money, and a not-too-hard job.. My uncle never studied, and he earns 4k + month and has a really good life but now, with the other job calling me.. I just feel miserable again.. With what i was gonna get from the other job, i could probably move in with my girlfriend in about 1/2 years, as she will start to work too, as she already ended college.. And now, it seems it was taken from me again, when everything goes the way i want, something always fucks it up!

So.. What should i do? Step my own ground, and tell them that this is my life and i should take my own decisions from now on? I mean, i really want to do it, but i am not sure.. Has they always made me think that studies are like the most important thing in life.. Anyone around that dropped college and had success? Thanks..

 

oh you poor thing

 

Don't go to college, they will always be their to take your money and put you in massive amounts of debt you don't need over your head being 20 years old. Your 20...go explore the world, eat some mushrooms, have lots of safe sex....

Take the job in the sports place, or somewhere else, and eventually working day after day something will go off in your mind giving you motivation to go back to school for reasons that are vaild.

Only become a banker like your father if you want to further help the global ecomonic depression.

 

The thing is.. I am 20, my parents don't understand that LOL... But what if i am the one who doesn't feel motivated for school? A sports shop gives you 0 future work prospects, with a Port, i would have a lot career chances.. But i guess i'll take the sports shop, wait for the contract to end, and then talk to my uncle.. That's the easiest way...

 

I only skimmed thro the post but I feel like posting a traffic light with the words "STOP" and "THINK".

Who's living your life? You or your parents? If they were serial killers would you think "I suppose I better go out and murder people like mum and dad"? Ofcourse not!

You can't truly have a successful life or even career if you are doing something you aren't really interested in. Have you ever met someone who is literally willing their life away, 9-5, 50 weeks a year, for 40 years?

For some things, college is essential. For other things, its an idiotic move.
Deps what you want to do. OR, how you want to maximise keeping your chances open.

I was always pushed towards academic stuff, had the grades for Oxford, went to law school (didn't apply to Oxford, because I hated the idea). After uni, decided I would rather have gone straight into business not law school. Later on, even wondered what would have happened if I'd have tried professional sport, and THEN business.

I really can't emphasize enough, YOU make your decisions, not some overbearing, ignorant relatives.

PS met a guy last week. He's prob made about 10m. Never went to college, never interested. His graduate staff, 5 to 10 yrs younger than him, make a tiny fraction of what he does. Not that money is a issue for lots of people.