Looking for opinions on what should I do about my current path in life?

Hi everyone,

I’m 21 and currently finishing a Level 7 degree in Digital Marketing. Next week I have what should be my last exam, but I honestly don’t know how it will go. If I pass, I’m finished. If I don’t, I may have to repeat.

I’m posting because I feel very stuck and uncertain about what to do next.

Since first year, university has been very difficult for me. It has taken a mental and physical toll on me over the years. The stress, isolation, pressure, and environment have really affected me. I’ve had palpitations, constant fear around exams, and today I had my blood pressure checked and it was very high. I know Reddit is not a doctor, and I will have to take the health side seriously, but I think it has made me question whether the path I’m on is actually right for me.

The difficult part is that I’m very close to finishing. I only need to get through this one exam, so quitting now feels wrong when I’m almost at the door. But at the same time, I’ve realised that I have never really been interested in digital marketing, the modules, or most of the career paths that come from it. I feel like I have been pushing through something that never really suited me.

The honest truth is that I want a simple life. I know that might sound unrealistic these days, but I don’t really care about having a lavish lifestyle or chasing huge money. I would honestly rather have a stable job with decent work-life balance, even if that means earning less. I just want peace of mind and enough stability to live normally.

I’ve been looking into the civil service because it seems like it could suit me better, but I know competitions can take time and there is no guarantee. I’ve also been wondering if there are other jobs or career paths in Ireland where a university degree is not absolutely necessary, or where I could still build a stable life without being tied to the area I studied.

When I was in secondary school, I was always told university was just one path, but once I actually went into it, it felt like everything depended on getting through it. I’ve tried explaining to my parents that university never really felt like it was for me, but I think it’s hard for them to understand when I’m this close to finishing.

I do have passions, especially animation, but realistically I don’t think I can turn that into a stable career right now for various reasons. What I would like is a job with good work-life balance, where I can come home and still have energy to work on animation and other things I care about.

I know being uncertain at 21 is normal, but I feel very lost at the moment. I’m trying to figure out whether I should just finish the Level 7 if I can, take a break, look for stable work, apply for civil service competitions, or consider a completely different path.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation? Did you finish a degree you weren’t interested in and then move into something else? Are there decent career paths in Ireland for someone who mainly values stability, routine, and work-life balance over climbing a career ladder?

Any honest advice would be appreciated.