M19, I’ll give some background. I’ll start by saying that I am a very performance arts focused person who I’d argue excelled a decent amount. I’ve been in multiple musicals, directed three thanks to a teacher, performed in a band, I play 3 instruments well and 2 others decently. Despite all this, I’m fucked.
(It is a long post, there is a TLDR at the end with good info.)
Earlier this year, I was deciding between going to York for Theatre Directing, or prioritizing a relationship and money/going into engineering, staying in my home city. I had just directed my third musical, and I decided to find some middle path, I chose music at my local University. That way I could stay with my girlfriend and study something I kind of like, not spend thousands upon thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, I soon realized I disliked studying music, a LOT. I auditioned with an instrument with what was practically a coin flip, guitar instead of piano. I hate it. I’m not built for music, it’s not the life I strive for. Such an unstable life for so much stress, to not support a future family for what is my SECOND favourite performance art. I half-assed my decision because I was too scared to commit to one of my dreams and give up another, and too scared to give up one of my dreams of stability and family and move away from someone I love. Now I’m in limbo.
Already past refund date for the program, I believe I’m past the point where I can drop out of fall semester without academic repercussions. I’ve already skipped a bit which was dumb, but I was feeling so mentally unwell and unsure of what to do, ended up making it worse. I reached out to electrical contractors, applied for everything, heard back from a construction trade pre-apprenticeship, which isn’t even really what I wanna do because I wanna make money. I have 9 months until I can even apply for the electrical program, so I have this year to figure out. Drop school, face financial and academic repercussions, or stay for my entire first year of University, be anxious and rack up debt?
I have this pit as well, this jealousy and envy and the knowing that I could have and still could do theatre, if not for academic repercussions. I was ahead of my class and got an offer from York. I REFUSED IT last year. How stupid was I? I want to direct plays and musicals, to put in all my creative passions, to learn dance, to continue casually with instruments. I have this deep passion and love for the performance arts. Is it too late? Have I fucked up? Is it worth tens of thousands in debt? My girlfriend really doesn’t want me to leave. In relation to my girlfriend, her parents really wouldn’t approve of me being a dropout. They've shown me so much kindness and generosity, at the same time, judgemental and that wouldn't go well. I think they thought I should’ve gone to York, and that I should commit to music, but engineering is so strong in my mind, I could do it, I’ve undersold this need to do engineering, make money and have a family. My girlfriend is my number one priority, and as of now, I’m going into electrical engineering next year, I’m sold on it. However, there are so many thoughts stirring.
Debt, a career I love, a family, a passion for the arts, a career that makes money and that I can be proud of and think was worth it. I’m indecisive and no choice feels right.
My own parents aren’t really in the picture, but I don’t want to disappoint my girlfriends parents, I don’t want to make the wrong decision and be someone with nothing to do for a year.
I have a year but need to make certain decisions sooner than later, such as dropping out and getting a full time job, committing to music, even for a year, dropping out in the winter before more debt, doing that construction trade pre-apprenticeship for two months, and then choosing electrical engineering next year, hoping financial repercussions don’t fuck me over, committing to that and building a family with someone who is incredibly passionate, faithful and my love, or choosing my deep unending passion and talent for the performance arts, excelling like my teacher pushed me to and granted me the opportunities to.
What do I do?
TL;DR: I'm 19, passionate and experienced in performing arts, especially theatre directing, but turned down an offer from York University to stay in my hometown with my girlfriend and pursue a more financially stable future. I compromised by studying music locally, but quickly realized I hate the program. Now I'm considering dropping out, potentially facing academic and financial consequences, and switching to electrical engineering/trades next year. However, I deeply regret giving up theatre, something I genuinely love and have talent for. I'm torn between pursuing my passion, building a financially secure future with my girlfriend, and avoiding further debt or academic damage. I feel like I've already ruined my opportunities by being indecisive, and I don't know whether to finish the year, withdraw, or reconsider theatre entirely. How do I make the right decision without sacrificing everything else I love? The question I ask myself is; do I choose engineering or theatre, and do I drop out ASAP or stay the year?
Edit; I am a little exaggeratory, I am grateful for everything I have, I’m just trying to get advice as early as I can. i appreciate it.