Every once in a while, I find myself wondering how life might have turned out if I hadn’t chosen engineering.
It’s not because I regret the path I took, I don’t. But sometimes, it’s interesting to pause and think about the “what ifs.” I think we all do that from time to time. For me, it’s more about curiosity than anything else. I like to imagine what life could’ve looked like if I had taken a different route.
I still remember when I decided to study engineering. It wasn’t some big, emotional decision. It was more practical. I was decent at math and science, and everyone said engineering was a solid career choice, stable, respected, good opportunities. That made sense to me back then, and it still does. But part of me wonders, what if I had gone with something else?
Maybe I would’ve tried something more creative. Writing comes to mind. I used to enjoy it when I was younger, but I never saw it as a “real” career. It felt risky, unpredictable, and hard to justify. But maybe there’s a version of me somewhere who went for it anyway. Not necessarily more successful, but maybe more in tune with a different part of who I am.
Or maybe I would’ve gone into something people-focused, like psychology or business. I’ve always been interested in how people think, what drives them, how they work together. Funny enough, that curiosity still shows up in my work today, just in different ways, team projects, problem-solving, leadership. But I still wonder how that path would’ve played out.
The truth is, we can only live one version of our story. We make choices, and those choices take us in a certain direction. We don’t get to go back and try all the other options. And that’s okay. There’s something valuable about committing to a path and making the most of it.
Engineering has given me a lot. It’s taught me how to approach problems logically, how to stay calm in the face of uncertainty, and how to think in systems and structures. It’s also introduced me to people who’ve challenged and inspired me. In many ways, it’s shaped how I see the world.
Still, the thought of a different path doesn’t make me sad. It just makes me reflective. Because choosing one thing often means letting go of something else. That’s not failure, it’s just part of life.
So no, I don’t regret choosing engineering. But I also don’t stop myself from imagining the “what ifs.” That part of me is still alive, the one who wonders, dreams, and reflects. And maybe that’s what matters most. Because even if I didn’t follow every dream, I haven’t forgotten them.
There’s still time to explore other interests. Life isn’t a straight line. There’s room for twists, detours, and second chances.
And maybe, in small ways, those old dreams are still walking alongside me.
