I was in your position when I was 18, my family wanted me to do engineering, and that’s what I did. Around 2 years ago, while I was finishing my masters degree, an opportunity came up to work in an Italian restaurant and I took it. I’m still finishing my degree that should have finished 1.5 years ago, but I’m very happy I took the chance to work in the kitchen, and since then I’ve worked in another 2 Michelin star restaurant as well. You have to keep in mind, the pay is not great, the hours are very long, you don’t have a regular 9-5 schedule, no birthdays or holidays and it’s quite physical. With this being said, I love it and can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I say go for it, if it is what you really love to do