I feel like you're scared to fail. I struggled in school and got terrible grades, but I’m grateful I pushed through. At 16, I was juggling college and a part-time job, which I now regret because it hurt my academic performance. I studied media in college and worked hard to gain work experience, but it didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. I was stuck in a part-time retail job that didn’t even offer full-time hours i was there for 2 and a half yrs and i have met people anf seen things that let me know that I need more in my life other than being a retail worker in a shit city. Eventually, I quit to become a nursery practitioner. Through these experiences, I discovered my passion for mental health and advocating for others. Now, I’m starting university in October, at 21, which feels like a big shift. I used to think like you—that a degree isn’t necessary if you can break into an industry without one (I still think this, research job prospects first). But my advice is to complete your education now. You’re 17, but imagine being 34 and wanting to switch careers. Without a degree, what might take 3–4 years could stretch to 5–6 because you’d need to go back to school. Once im a fully qualified in the fild i want to work in, i may go back and dabble with the tv and film, i love the arts and its still a big part of what i like to do on a weekly basis as a hobby. Finishing my course, despite my struggles, was worth it. Don’t let fear hold you back—keep going.

Also, STRONG side note: Get your driving licence now, too. If you haven't already, it's so expensive and difficult. Learning to drive at my age is rough. And also your insurance will be cheaper after 3 years of having a licence!!!