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How to be decisive?

User Profile: lovingGrapefruit2611
lovingGrapefruit2611 March 12th, 2023

Hello,

So, my story goes as a student who took a 2-year break trying to crack entrance exams for some job but I failed each of them and now is down to zero confidence which I had finally gained in my graduation days (Yea I had major existential crisis issue till my whole school life especially related to career which I finally overcame in graduation once I finally was working on a major I like) but due to family pressure I was forced to give those exams and I failed.

So, now I'm trying to get back on the post-graduation line choosing a discipline that I have generated interest in and am secretly preparing for it. But due to those continuous failed years, as a back-up plan I am planning to give one more exam in a different discipline. But the issue is, this different exam is within a month and the one that i actually wish to give is not until 3 months. And I'm afraid if I clear this exam before mine comes.. I am going to settle in thinking what if I fail? I am unable to get past this what if I fail thing and that 1 exam feels so risky I feel like I should just get into any college now instead of sitting idle another year. Like, what if I give up this backup college exam as well and fail in that exam too and then I'll be worthless again, but what if I clear both (which is unlikely, but what if)? I'm so stuck that I can't focus on anything. Any help or suggestions?
(PS: I can handle critical words so feel free about that.)

3
User Profile: Mdreaming101
Mdreaming101 March 15th, 2023

@lovingGrapefruit2611

I am confuse here. I'm from America and is not familiar with some of your terms.

If you do past the exam scheduled one month from now, how long do you have to answer them?

If you have to attend the back up discipline (you second choice), would you be happy or be able to at least function in that line of work?

It seems you want to do something you like. There is really no right or wrong answer. Sometimes we try for the things we want and the things we think we may be able to gain; and accept what comes from those effort even if that is not our first choice.

User Profile: Jaeteuk
Jaeteuk April 11th, 2023

Sorry for the late response. How have you been handling these preparations for exams lately? To choose a different discipline now and preparing for that exam, even if it's a backup choice, when it is something you will enjoy as a job or career, try and not to think about past failures. Treat this as a new beginning. For the past failures, are you able to find out which part of the exam you fell short in? Is it something that you can upgrade and study more of? With this new discipline, prepare for it as much as you can. See if you can find some mock exams available to test yourself.

Failures is just meaning you haven't prepared yourself enough, not enough time spent in preparations, not putting enough effort to make it work. Failure should be seen as room for improvement, not necessarily a negative thing.

Make your fear of whether or not you'll clear the exam to your drive/motivation to be 200% prepared for the exam instead. I know it's easier said than done, but when you are able to stay positive as much as you make yourself, the outcome will become more rewarding and worth it. So, don't give up now and hold on tight to the desire in wanting to work in a career/job of your interest.

Good luck!~

User Profile: kakashihatake2188
kakashihatake2188 April 12th, 2023

@lovingGrapefruit2611 It sounds like you're in a tough situation, feeling the pressure to make a decision about which exam to take and worried about the possibility of failure. It's understandable that you're feeling stuck and unsure of what to do. It's great that you have identified your interests and are secretly preparing for the post-graduation line that you wish to pursue.

One suggestion I have is to evaluate the pros and cons of taking the backup exam versus waiting for the one you actually wish to take. What are the potential benefits of taking the backup exam? What are the potential drawbacks? How likely are you to pass or fail each exam? Take some time to weigh these factors and try to make a decision based on the information you have.

It's also important to keep in mind that failure is a part of the learning process and doesn't define your worth as a person. While it's understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of failure, try to focus on the effort you're putting in and the progress you're making towards your goals.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and it's important to trust yourself to make the best choice for your situation. It's okay to seek advice and input from others, but at the end of the day, you are the one who knows yourself and your circumstances best.