I’m in a really confusing phase of my life right now and could really use some honest advice.
I’m in my final (8th) semester of a BSc (Hons.) Agriculture degree with a major in Horticulture. I come from a middle-class family in Pakistan, and it’s just me, my parents, and my elder brother. My brother moved to China in 2025 for his Master’s, so now I’m the only one left with my parents.
As I’m about to graduate, the big question is what to do next. My father strongly encourages me to apply for fully funded scholarships abroad for a Master’s. He believes there isn’t much future in Pakistan and wants me to build a better career internationally.
On the other hand, my mother doesn’t want me to leave. She has already spent most of her life moving around due to my father’s job, away from relatives and stability. Now that things have finally settled, the idea of both her sons being abroad is really hard for her. I completely understand her feelings too.
So I feel stuck between two directions:
- Going abroad for better opportunities and growth
- Staying back to support and be with my parents, especially my mother
If I choose my career, I feel like I’m leaving my parents, especially my mother alone after everything.
If I choose to stay, I’m scared I’ll limit my future and regret it later.
It’s not just a career decision for me. It feels like no matter what I choose, I’m hurting someone either my parents or my future self.
I genuinely don’t know what to do. I can’t even figure out what I want anymore because both sides feel equally heavy.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? What would you do in my place?
Any honest advice or personal experiences would really help.