it’s been a while since i’ve been here but hello :3
i’m in my final semester of y3 in poly right now, and of course with that, everyone is starting to apply for uni. most of my friends are applying for courses that are related to the one we are in right now (something to do with business!), but i on the other hand want to pivot out into digital media and marketing, as i really think that my course is really, REALLY not for me, seeing that my grades and gpa are pretty meh, and i’m more interested in stuff like marketing and media!
but honestly, i feel very conflicted about pivoting out. the first problem is that i don’t exactly have a portfolio to use anymore. i make fan posts of different things that i like, but apparently it’s not allowed for portfolio as its not ‘original work’, so i have to build up my portfolio again straight from scratch before applications open. i wanted to take a gap year solely for this, but i’m not entirely sure if it’s worth it.
my second problem comes from trying to ‘satisfy’ my parents, per say. i’m pretty sure they want me to stick to a course that’s similar to the one i’m in now, even though i’m also pretty sure that they know i genuinely despise it HAHA. when i first talked to them about it, they seemed okay with me pivoting out, saying ‘i shouldn’t stay in a course where i know i won’t do well’, but now it seems like they’re saying the opposite.
all in all, i just want to make my parents proud of me and my choices, and to not regret it in the end haha. if anyone has any advice, it would be so appreciated :”) thank you for reading this far
It’s natural to feel conflicted at this stage. Your choices have a significant impact on your future, making them feel especially important. Many teens and young adults experience pressure to make their parents proud, as their approval often carries significant weight.
However, as you grow older, it becomes clear that your life is ultimately your own. You will be the one to experience the consequences, joy, and fulfilment that come from your decisions. While parents can offer guidance and support, they do not define your worth or determine your future. Your happiness and personal growth should come first.
Choosing a field of study that aligns with your interests is essential. You don’t have to follow a conventional path if it doesn’t excite you. Pursuing your passion, such as digital media and marketing, and building a portfolio can be both rewarding and practical. Ultimately, choosing a direction that reflects your true self not only helps you thrive but also demonstrates your independence.
If you need more support or information as you explore your options, consider reaching out to an Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellor at your polytechnic. ECG counselling can provide valuable resources, personalised advice, and guidance tailored to your interests and strengths. Speaking with a counsellor can help you gain greater clarity and confidence in your decisions, ensuring you have access to the tools and support you need to make informed choices about your future.
@saranghaeonlyyou Hey! I hear that you are feeling conflicted over whether to continue pursuing your current poly course in uni, or to venture into something different. I sense that beyond matters of interests and your grades, there seems to be also a lot of worry about whether changing course for uni will be the ‘right’ decision, one that will make your family proud, and more importantly, yourself proud. To be very honest, one will never know if a decision is right until one pursues the path and tries it out. We can weigh the pros and cons, and in your case, the pros and cons can be measured in terms of your ability to excel, future employability, future projected salary etc. But all these are just speculation. You will never truly know if it will be a decision you love or regret in the future. It is for all things in life. Which in many ways, make life quite interesting as well right?
I am curious to know why you are interested in digital media and marketing. Perhaps when you type/pen it down, you might have a clearer view of whether this decision ought to be made. Cant wait to learn more about your thoughts!
It’s really good to hear from you again, and it sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of honest thinking about your future. Feeling conflicted makes total sense. You’re trying to balance your own interests with wanting your parents to feel proud and secure about your path.
Pivoting into marketing and media isn’t a bad move at all, especially since you already know the current course isn’t for you. Many people switch directions in uni, and it often leads them to something they actually thrive in. As for your portfolio, it’s okay to start small. You don’t need a huge body of work. Even a few simple, original pieces can show initiative and potential. A gap year isn’t “wrong” either, but it’s only worth it if you feel it would genuinely give you space and clarity.
Your parents’ mixed signals probably come from wanting you to have stability, not from doubting your ability. And you’re already making them proud by thinking carefully about your future and wanting to pursue something you care about. You’re not choosing recklessly, you’re choosing thoughtfully.
Whatever you decide, you won’t be doing it alone, and you won’t be disappointing anyone by choosing the path that fits you better. You deserve a future you’re excited about:)
hi there, thank you for sharing! I understand that you are considering ovioting out, and perhaps you can consult the course teachers or your career guidance counsellor! It is a big step so I believe your parents will need to be involved, and by choosing a course you enjoy, they can see you happy (and that in itself is making them proud!) hope this helps
