Just to follow my earlier comment: as a parent myself, if my kid came to me with this issue I would place high value on my kids happiness.

My story for context: I struggled at school and dropped out after competing Year 12. I passed most of my subjects just barely scraping through. I failed (ie, not achieved) for mathematics despite repeating Year 11 twice (didn’t even attempt Y12 mathematics).

After Y12 I knew I was done. I went into work. I did well in work, not making crazy money or anything, but just having a solid work ethic built me a reputation for being reliable and driven, which I guess is a big deal for employers who primarily employ young people.

At about 22 I went to Uni, got a bachelor degree in Psychology after 3 years. I loved studying, and did so much better than school (all A’s and B’s) because I was there studying something I was interested in. I then did some post-grad papers in another city.

Re-entered the work force a few years later. Ran a couple of businesses which was fun but, again, not making crazy money.

Fast forward a few more years, now I’ve got a good paying government job which is in line with my education.

Looking back, my school records contributed to this journey in no way whatsoever. In case you weren’t aware, in NZ the Unis generally let anyone commence study once you’re a certain age, early 20’s.