Am I making the right choice?

[Kelly.]

I dropped out of college because the course I was doing wasn't what I wanted to do. But what I wanted to do can't happen because of medical reasons. I only found out a few months ago but this has been devastating for me because it's all I've wanted to do for years.

I did have back up plans and that is to go back to college this September. The only people I've told that I can't do what I originally planned are my parents and boyfriend. My parents aren't quite as supportive as I'd like. My boyfriend is wonderful though. He said he'll stick by me whatever I do and has even offered to pay for anything I need to go back to college which I don't want but means so much to me. He said he'll help with anything I need, it's good knowing I have support.

Today's obviously A-level result day. I drove past my old school this morning and saw lots of people all excited about their results. I felt excited for them. And I'm pretty sure I'm making the right decision to go back into education. I don't have many qualifications at the moment, I wouldn't have needed them for what I wanted to do. But I don't want to be without qualifications, there's nothing else I want to do really.

But I can't help feeling some doubt. I couldn't sleep last night because I was worried. I'm worried that I haven't told people that I can't do what I wanted to do before, I'm worried I'll be judged for that, that they'll think I failed again, I'm not trying hard enough or whatever. I'm worried what people will think of me because of the complete change of plan. This isn't a spur of the moment kind of thing, I have thought of the back up plan for quite some time just incase things didn't work out. But it's not something I talked to people about, just my boyfriend. Because I didn't want them to judge.

I know I shouldn't worry about what other people will think. But I do. And I'm scared I won't fit in because I'm older than most people. I've lost most of my friends lately so probably it will be a good way to meet new people too. But I'm still worried.

I don't know if all this worry is normal. Yes, I am excited. I'm pleased I'm doing something about this, not going to end up in a dead end job which is where I just don't want to be at all. But I'm worried.

Anyone else feel/have felt the same? Am I doing the right thing? Any words of encouragement or whatever?

[88shelz]

just do whatever you want to do. whatever you feel right for you
if education is what you want then definatly go for it.

[Albemarle]

it is important to do what you want to do and follow your dreams. And I'm a big believer in the importance of education.

Regarding not being able to do exactly what you want due to medical reasons, obviously you haven't gone into detail (and it's fine if you don't want to) but are you 100% sure you can't? Are there any support / access adjustments that could make this possible? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questiosn.

But seriously, follow your dreams while you have the chance to. I think it is a case of thinking to yourself "If I don't do this, will I look back 10 years from now and regret it?". Obviously we can't predict how things will turn out or what we will and won't regret, but I think that as far as possible it is important to try to avoid doing things you know you'll end up regretting.

So I'd say go for it.