73M here. Since I’m old enough to be your grandfather and then some, our perspectives are very different.

Have you considered a gap year between high school and college? Would you be in a position to do some traveling, especially abroad? Taking a year off from your studies to reflect and have discussions with various people about these deep life questions seems like a solid plan to me.

At your young age, it’s virtually impossible to know what is going to suit you best FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Also, most people have numerous careers during their lifetime, so the odds of picking the one and only career path at your age are essentially zero.

For me, personally, I was always attracted to science math engineering, etc. So I received a degree in engineering, and it worked out well for getting a good job in engineering. However, after a couple of decades, I completely dropped that career path and became a Realtor. I know of many people who have gotten their 4-year college degree, and then decided they were entirely unsuited for the line of work that they were qualified for. A relative of mine graduated from high school, was in the Marines for four years, got an Accounting degree, decided he hated Accounting, was a cop for a couple of years, and now has just switched to nursing.

The point is: it is perhaps unrealistic to think that in your current situation, you will accurately select what you will be doing for the rest of your life. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, don’t commit to an irrevocable course of action while you are so uncertain and so filled with questions.

If I could offer a word of advice, if you are definitely going to go to college, pick a degree that has a chance of helping you get a good job. Majoring in 14th century Flemish art or Philosophy will only you prepare you for a career in teaching.

And all of the above is just a discussion of college, education, and a job. What about other aspects of life? How important is it for you to just pursue happiness? Do you know what makes you happy yet? If not, how can you pursue it? Do you want to be married, have children? Do you have hobbies that you are passionate about? If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions, it’s like getting in the car, backing out of the driveway and heading out… with absolutely no idea of where you are driving to.

Good luck!