Something that has been gnawing on my mind is the constant self doubt that I’m making the wrong choice when it comes to my future studies and endeavours. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I don’t understand why kids are expected to know what they want to study by 16,17 Ofcourse there are some that have their passion and life planned out in their head with a clear goal but that’s such a minority majority are just going with the flow of what their friends are doing, what their parents push upon them or what they find interesting currently like a hobby.
Like for me I’m in a current diploma but I’m starting to doubt and rethink about can this diploma really get me to where I really want? Additionally I feel that Singapore lacks the recourses and they are constantly business minded or like medicine you don’t really get much opportunity to explore what you would really like to do unlike in other countries. So it makes me rethink my decisions a lot like is this really going to help me? It’s really demoralising when you have a certain career path in mind but there’s barely any exposure in your country, you really start doubting yourself.
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Um if u dont mind sharing what is yr diploma in? Indeed its true what u observe
Hey @user1373. Thank you for sharing this so honestly. I hear how much it weighs on you to wonder if your diploma will really take you where you want to go. What you’re feeling is something I went through as well so you’re not alone in this. The truth is, very few people know for sure at 16 or 17, and even those who seem to have a “clear plan” often end up changing directions later. At this age, you’re still exploring who you are and what matters to you.
I can hear how discouraging it feels when the system here doesn’t give much space to explore certain passions or career paths. That can make you second-guess your diploma or wonder if you’re “on the right track.” But those doubts don’t mean you’re weak or failing, they show that you’re thinking deeply about your future and wanting to make choices that are meaningful to you.
It might help to reframe this stage as a process of collecting experiences rather than needing to lock in your forever path right now. Your diploma doesn’t have to be your final answer, it can be one stepping stone that teaches you skills, helps you learn about yourself, and opens doors you might not even see yet. Many people end up working in areas different from what they studied, and that’s perfectly okay.
For me, what helped was seeing my diploma as a toolkit or stepping stone rather than a destination. I picked up skills, discipline, and self-awareness that later carried into very different things I chose to do. So even if it didn’t look like the “perfect fit,” it was never wasted.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. You’re already showing a lot of awareness by reflecting on your path and questioning it. That reflection will guide you toward opportunities that fit you better over time.
Please be gentle with yourself, okay? You’re still figuring out, still learning. Wishing you clarity as you take the next steps, and the courage to trust that every experience is shaping you in ways you may not see yet. You’ve got this! 
Hey @user1373, it sounds like you’re carrying a lot of pressure and uncertainty, and that can be really heavy. Many people especially at 16 or 17 don’t have a crystal-clear idea of what they want to do. The expectation to “get it right” so early is unrealistic, and you’re not alone in feeling frustrated or demoralised about that.
You’re also pointing out something real about the environment here where Singapore’s education and career landscape can feel very focused on a few “safe” paths, and opportunities for exploration can seem limited. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck, but it does make the process feel isolating.
A few thoughts that may ease the pressure:
You’re allowed to rethink your choices. Doubt isn’t failure but a sign you’re engaging critically with your future.
Exposure can come in small ways such as online courses, short workshops, volunteering, or talking to professionals in fields you’re curious about. Even informational interviews over LinkedIn or with alumni can give you a clearer picture without a big commitment.
Your diploma doesn’t lock your life path. Plenty of people pivot later through further studies, professional certificates, or career changes.
Lastly, it’s okay to take your time. Even in Singapore’s fast-paced culture. Your worth is not determined by a perfect roadmap.
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Hey @user1373 !
Thanks for sharing and reaching out 
, it must have taken a lot of courage to even post it and we really appreciate you 
. Feeling self doubt and uncertainity must feel the worse, especially if you do not know if where you are heading is the “right” choice for you. Especially in Singapore, where everything is about education, studies and academics, if you do not make the “correct” choice for your future, you may feel like you missed out a lot and lose opportunities.
Just wanna reassure you that you are right where you need to be. Maybe you aren’t too sure that this diploma is right for you? That’s okay! This is an opportunity for you to find out if this is what you really want/if this is something you want to continue. You have the resources in your area (like lecturers, friends, family, internet) to ask around and find out, if this is for you and if this will help you get to your end goal. Even now, you continue to find out and research and learn that Singapore may not be the best career path and choice for you and that’s okay! It is a learning opportunity 
. It is true, many people do go with the flow of life. We cannot predict what will happen tomorrow, or the next day, or the following day. All of us are on a journey with little to no knowledge of where we are truly heading but we are all in this together 
. You got this and it is okay to feel doubtful, everyone has these moments and you are not alone in this .
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