I'm sure this topic has probably surfaced multiple times before on this subreddit but I know many Asian youths were pressured by family to pursue STEM subjects rather than arts and humanities, and maybe pursue career paths that they may not generally want/enjoy. I was just curious about some of your thoughts and opinions of this issue and perhaps even share some of your experiences.

You maybe thinking 'How does this relate to Asian Masculinity?' Well this is what I want to discuss, like whether certain jobs or subjects are perceived as masculine or feminine (yes it sounds stupid but it definitely exists), or whether the social perception of you or these subjects steered you away from studying something or even whether just because your are the eldest son you have to represent your family by becoming whatever career you or your family feel would be reputable etc.

Personally I'm curious because I was a chemistry dropout who thought I could just get through university by hard cramming and tuition with little to no passion in the subject. I know it was completely stupid of me but my parents told me this was the way to success and I really never have developed much individuality or personal dreams due to being so piloted throughout my youth, and ended up burning out completely and dropped out of the course. Next month I'm going to be going to my dream university to study English Literature after repeating my A-levels while working and I finally feel like my life is getting somewhere. I have a close friend who is currently going through a similar experience, they don't really have much of a choice either because it was either studying their subject or nothing and it really pains me to see how someone might go through a similar experience to myself.

TL;DR

Do you study a STEM subject? Did you feel pressured into taking them? Please share how you feel about them.