Start Again.

I will graduate from high school this year, so I need to apply to college and choose a program. I have been really hesitant because I am lost and don't know what I actually want to do with my life. Most of my friends are going into Natural Science which seems like the safest option now. But after doing some in-depth research, I found out that Computer science might give me some good advantages in the future. So, should I follow the majority and choose the safest path, or take a risk going on something that might not interest me?

Choice 1 : My program.

Choice 2 : Follow the Majority.

My Program.

I finally chose Computer science. I don't know much about it, but since everything works with computers these days, it might be a good path to follow, thought I am not sure I will like it. Now I need to get accepted into a college. Maisonneuve and Rosemont are the closest to me, so it's not a bad idea to apply there. I don't know anybody there, so it's hard to tell if they are good options. But I don't really have a choice, I need to apply anyway.

Choice 1 : Rosemont College.

Choice 2 : Maisonneuve College.

Follow the Majority.

I followed the majority. Maybe it's not a good idea but for now I am too scared to take risks and lose my years. Now I need to get accepted into a college. I hesitate between Maisoneuve and Rosemont since they are the closest to me. I'll apply to both, and we'll see when the admission decision day will come.

Choice 1 : Rosemont College.

Choice 2 : Maisonneuve College.

Rosemont College.

I finally got accepted in Rosemont and went with it. So I guess it's going to be my college for the next years.

Choice 1 : Computer Science.

Choice 2 : Natural Science.

Maisonneuve College.

I didn't get accepted to Maisonneuve, so I have no choice but to attend Rosemont.

Choice 1 : Rosemont College.

Natural Science.

This is my first semester in Natural Science. The classes are actually intense. I feel like I'm doing this for someone else and not for me. I regret not taking Computer Science. I feel like I should have listened to my inner voice instead of everyone. I will change programs.

Choice 1 : Computer Science.

Computer Science.

This is the first semester, and it's already though. Computer Science is hard but actually interesting. I have made the right choice. I am slowly enjoying coding. However, I don't know if I can keep up. Everybody seems so intelligent and ahead. I don't know if I should continue or drop out. Maybe after all I shouldn't have taken that risk.

Choice 1 : Stick to it.

Choice 2 : Drop out.

Stick to it.

The first semester was really though, but I decided to push through it, and now I am finally graduating. Both College and Computer Science were really fun, but now, I need to take my life more seriously. I have two options, either I continue studying in Univeristy for better options or I find a job, and maybe I will get better this way by getting on-the-job-training.

Choice 1 : University.

Choice 2 : Get a Job.

Drop out.

I dropped out after the end of the first semester. It was too much for me and not really what suited to me the most. I am currently working part-time jobs while figuring out my next steps regarding my future career. I am also trying to gain more experience by volunteering at organizations.

Choice 1 : Reapply.

Choice 2 : Try Something Else.

University.

University is very overwhelming, much more than college. Everyone seems focused and passionate. I'm scared I am just faking it. But the environment is still inspiring. I'll try to survive this. I admire how some students use time management to pull off straight A's. I wish I was like them.

Choice 1 : Join a Bootcamp.

Choice 2 : Focus Only on Academics.

Get a Job.

It's been a year now since I graduated, and I still haven't been able to find a job in my field. I heard that I was not the only one in this situation, and that getting a job now as a programmer is really difficult. I think that I have no other choice but to go to university to build a better portfolio. Maybe a stronger education path like a Bachelor in computer science can raise my chances in finding a job.

Choice 1 : University.

Reapply.

I took a year off working part-time and exploring different careers. I decide to reapply though because I think I overreacted and was a little bit dramatic. Maybe I just needed a pause from school, but now I am back taking things seriously.

Choice 1 : Stick to it.

Try Something Else.

Lately I have been interested in finances so decided to try it. It's different from what I have tried before but easier. Maybe because I took a break. I try to go with what works for me without any pressure. I actually enjoy it so I hope this is finally the right path for me.

Choice 1 : Reapply.

Choice 2 : Join a Bootcamp.

Join a Bootcamp.

I just joined a coding Bootcamp, and it changed everything. I met many people with the same doubts as me but also the same dreams. I finally landed an internship, and for the first time, I feel like I really belong in this field.

Choice 1 : Stay with the Company.

Choice 2 : Take the Freelance Contract.

Focus Only on Academics.

I just kept going with the flow, and kept studying. I passed with good grades, but I missed many opportunities. No internships, and no connections. I am worried that I will graduate with a degree and nothing else.

Choice 1 : Join a Bootcamp.

Choice 2 : Try Something Else.

Stay with the Company.

I accepted a junior developer position at the company that offered me the internship. I really like the system, the team and the company culture. At first, I stuck with many boring problems to solve, but it was part of the job. Over time, I got better. One day, my manager gave me my first real project that finally made me in direct contact with clients. It was a success, I felt very proud of myself. But a thought still haunts me. Do I really want to work for a company for the rest of my life?

Choice 1 : Take the Freelance Contract.

Choice 2 : Retire Silently.

Take the Freelance Contract.

I took a freelance contract that one of the Bootcamp mentors offered me. It was really risky and a bold move. But I believe that taking risks are the biggest blessings in someone's life because they challenge you and force you to get out of your comfort zone. There was no office, no colleagues to help you when you're stuck. It was only me and the clients that needed my services. I was paid based on my skills and my ability to satisfy clients. I was independent and I loved it. Sometimes, I had to surpass myself, like coding until 3 a.m. just to meet a deadline, but I couldn't complain since everything was on me, and If I didn't pull it off, I was not going to get paid. But there still was freedom, and that's felt amazing. I am doing really well right now, and I hope that someday, I can start my own company and be really rich.

Choice 1 : Start Again.

Retire Silently.

I continued with the same company. It was a safe move but not challenging at all, and I didn't get the chance to really live the way I wanted. Working a 9 to 5 job is really draining. Watching the same people every day, having the same routine, doing the same tasks almost got me out of my mind. But this is the price to pay when you're too scared to make bold moves. Now I finally retired, so I guess I am going to live the life I wanted with the savings and investments I have. My biggest dream was to travel the world, so let's go for this new adventure. I hope this is going to let me die with fewer regrets.

Choice 1 : Start Again.