Hi Zobra Buddha (cool name!)
I experienced a very similar thing. I was studying creative arts at Uni, because that was my passion throughout my teens and everyone kind of expected I would just continue doing that. However, after 2 years at Uni I started to feel anxious, depressed, de-motivated, bored etc. started failing modules and ultimately decided to quit in order to have a re-think about what to do with my life. I did intend to go back, but my life took various new directions and I ultimately found that I never needed or wanted to. I did pursue other studies, but via evening classes and home study courses which I found gave me the freedom to fill my days with other activities, such as getting on the job ladder in business admin (an area I wanted to get into) dabbling in property development projects and various other things which resonated with my values and interests.
My advice would be:
1) Think of it as more of a course correction rather than a failure – you explored one route, it didn’t work out so now you’re free to try a new one, whether that be a new University course, getting into a career via another route or just taking some time out to find yourself. I’m sure you got something of value from the studies you have completed to date, perhaps you can even get a certificate or diploma in recognition of what you’ve done so far. Either way, put what you have done so far on your resume and look to the future
2) Don’t worry about what friends and family think of all this right now, just follow your heart and do what you feel is right for you. When you get yourself back on track and doing something you enjoy, you’re friends and family will come around and be happy for you.
3) Steve’s blog has various articles about finding your values, getting your life and work to resonate with those and finding ways to do what you love, read them all! (I did and found it very helpful).
4) Don’t worry if you end up taking a year out from University, it may give you valuable time to explore new interests, earn some money, try out different kinds of jobs etc. I don’t know where you are but here in the UK (and probably other European countries) it is seen as acceptable and commonplace for students to take a year out to work, travel, “find themselves” explore other interests, take short courses etc. If you end up taking a year out and people give you a hard time, just say it’s what all the cool European kids do
I hope that helps. It may be hard, especially when friends and family are giving you a hard time, but if it helps at all, when I decided to quit Uni, my Dad was upset at first, but was happier when I got involved in new projects and got a job, happier still when my University gave me a diploma for the 2 years I had completed, and even happier still when I got back into studying (studying business management courses home study). About 4 years after that, I was established on a decent career path as a personal assistant and my Dad stopped asking me “so when are you going back to finish your degree?”. He actually told me that he thinks I’ve done very well with my life and is happy I took an unconventional path and followed my gut rather than taking the safe option and just doing what others expected of me.
Best of luck to you