Did anyone restart life after failing A/L / being behind? Need advice
I’m 24 and feel like I ruined my life. I need honest advice.
I did A/L in the Bio Science stream and had to sit for it three times. I failed twice and only passed on my third attempt with 3 S passes. Looking back, during the COVID period I got distracted, became addicted to my phone, lost interest in studying, and didn’t take my studies seriously. I regret that deeply now.
My parents told me to change subjects earlier, but I refused. My relatives also looked down on me for taking Bio Science, and I think my ego made me continue even when I should have made a different decision. In the end, I passed, but I didn’t get selected to a state university.
Now I feel very behind in life. My A/L batch friends have almost finished their degrees, while I still feel stuck. I’m currently doing an HND in English, but honestly I don’t even like it. I also registered for a BSc through Open University because I want some future, but I’m scared it will take many years.
I’m from a middle-class family and can’t afford an expensive private university. I feel like I wasted years, and I regret not studying properly when I had the chance.
Has anyone here recovered after feeling this behind in life?
What realistic degree/career path should someone in my situation look into?
Is 24 actually too late to restart, or am I just panicking?
I would really appreciate honest advice from people who have been through something similar.