[Pascha]

University was a hell of a slog for me. I took Computer Science, which I loved and was passionate about and good at in high school; but I struggled in a lot of my classes, and contemplated dropping out. At times, I really wasn't sure I wanted a job in my field because University had sucked so much of the fun out of it.

I ended up switching to part time classes, working retail at the same time. This gave more time for travel, which was better for my mental health, and it also gave me more time to focus on each assignment, study for each test etc. I also found that 3rd/4th year classes were way more interesting than the first two years as you start being able to choose the areas which interest you, rather than just studying the mandatory things which everyone had to take. So it took me eight years, but the study got more fun over time and eventually I finished.

I love my job now, and I'm good at it. The fact that I struggled meant nothing, because now I have the knowledge and the training that I needed and I know what I am doing.

Whether nursing is the right career for you is ultimately the most difficult question, and the one which nobody can answer but you. There's nothing wrong with changing career direction. You could always take a year to try out a variety of different classes, and see what captures your interest. There are a lot of ways to help people without being in medicine specifically. There are counselors and student advisors who can help suggest some options to you as well.

In terms of balancing school with your own mental health though, there are ways which you can manage that so you can get through and in the end, and I believe it will be worth it to stick it out. I worked retail for 10 years to get through University, and those years sucked. I have mad respect for people who do that kind of work their entire lives, it takes a tremendous amount of fortitude and has a serious toll on your mental health. I feels so grateful now that I had the opportunity to finish university and to now have a considerably higher paying career where I can afford a higher quality of life. It was 100% worth it.

All jobs feel like a job, even ones you love. We all get stressed sometimes, we all struggle, which is why there is no right answer. But I believe you are smart enough to get through the training and make a better life for yourself, if you just pick a field and stick with it. Take care of your self and take it slowly if you have to. Hang in there, it will get easier! <3

Oh but lastly, don't worry about what other people think. They'll get over it, whatever you decide :-)