Hi all,
After some unbiased input/opinions from people who I don't know about my career.
A bit about myself - I am 23 and graduated from uni last year doing a double degree of civil engineering and commerce. I've had about 2 years of experience in the field and earning a decent amount of money for where I am in my career as an engineer. I was definitely guided into this profession by my family/environment. I am at a point where I saved enough of a deposit to get pre-approval for a home loan and ready to purchase my first home.
Now, over the past year, since I graduated, I've been thinking that the construction industry (or potentially, engineering in general) is not what I am really passionate about. In fact, after 6 years of university, I've realised that I have always been passionate about animals and I do not know why it took me this long to realise that I would love to study veterinary science and work in animal welfare.
I am seriously considering going back to study again for another 6 years but there are some major (in my perspective) problems:
- I would need to stay at home with the parents (who have no issues with that) until I am 29 so I can continue to save as much money as possible. Noting that this is common in my culture and generally, parents wouldn't want me moving out until I am married. I have no major issues with this except for the fact that under their roof, I can't keep pets at home)
- I don't think it would be feasible to purchase a home anymore (which I intended to rent out)
- The course I was looking at would be full time from at least year 3 so I would be relying on savings for at least 4 years
- I worked and studied full time simultaneously for the last 2 years of my degree - I am not sure I can put myself through that mental and emotional stress again, let alone the physical exhaustion
- I've never worked in a clinical environment before so I'm concerned I won't even enjoy it (but I'm intending to volunteer on the weekends in shelters to solidify my belief that I am indeed passionate about animals and not just tired of construction)
- Concerned about job uncertainty/remuneration as a vet
I am seriously kicking myself for not thinking about this earlier. I honestly didn't put heaps of effort into my engineering degree (stupid I know) and skipped heaps of lectures/tutorials because I wasn't that interested. I still managed to scrape just below a distinction, but I know I can do heaps better. I feel that this is relevant as I am not even sure I would get accepted into the degree I want to do.
Anyhow, my life isn't falling apart - just curious to see what others would do and if there are any insights from people in either industry. Would you quit your job (or go part time, if possible, for two years) so you can study for another 6 years and graduate when you are 30 , or just continue working as an engineer and leave animals as a 'hobby'? Any other things I might still need to think about?
So young..