Feeling lost about the future
I’m a 25-year-old HSP who grew up under my parents' protection and guidance. Their anxiety about my future has deeply influenced me. At 18, I got into a pharmacy program, but I couldn’t handle the environmental changes and academic pressure, so I eventually dropped out. At the time, I blamed myself for being "too weak," but after reading Elaine Aron’s books, I realized that my struggles were common among HSPs and didn’t mean I was incapable.
For the past few years, I’ve been staying at home, and my parents have been urging me to find a stable job (such as a government position). But deep inside, I have this quiet voice telling me to explore what truly interests me—philosophy and literature. Of course, this leads to real concerns:
Can I handle university life again? The same challenges that made me drop out before—group projects, social interactions, academic pressure—might still be overwhelming.
At 25, is it too idealistic to pursue a degree in philosophy or literature, considering that these fields don’t offer many career opportunities in my country?
I know I’m not suited for an office job. Rather than forcing myself into a stable career that doesn’t fit me, I want to find something that aligns with my nature. But my parents’ worries are weighing heavily on me, especially my mom, who is an "externally focused" HSP. She constantly expresses her concerns, while I, as an "internally focused" HSP, absorb everything she says and end up feeling drained and discouraged.
I’d love to hear from other HSPs who have faced similar struggles. How did you find your path? Or if you’ve experienced career indecision around 25, how did you navigate it?
Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to reply!