Serious concerns with studies and future career plans

The O level results will be released pretty soon and I doubt I can pass my exams save for my E-maths paper because I faced quite a few problems in the past year, for example being assigned lousy lecturers, having to put up with annoying construction noises beside my residence, shifting to a new home etc. I do not wish to retake my O levels as a second round of examination fees would be rather costly, especially for science-related subjects. On top of this, I would be required to officially take up lessons at a recognised private institution, which would in turn add to my financial burden, not to mention it could be a complete waste of time if the teaching over there is ineffective.

At first, I wanted to study electrical engineering; however since my Mathematics and Physics skills are below average and in addition to that I am a slow learner ( I believe my understanding of certain electrical principles in Physics is sketchy at best) . Thus, I don't think I would be able to do well in that discipline. Which in turn places a big question mark on my future career intentions- what should I do? If I may be honest, I am not even sure what I am exactly good at in particular at the current moment.

I would like to ask if you know of a counselor or a professional career adviser whom I can talk to, because right now, I am really stuck in no man's land. I have not a single clue with regards to how I should proceed from here.

Student X

Firstly, congratulations to you on drafting a full set of excuses to "account" for your current predicament. Lousy lecturers? How about taking the initiative to seek alternate avenues of help instead of "sitting and suffering in silence"? Annoying construction noises near your house you say? Ever heard of someplace called the library?

Secondly, because you do not wish to retake your O levels, this pretty much severs all possible routes which might have granted you proper access to higher education. Put it simply, studies are out, so declaring you are "unsure of certain electrical principles in your physics" or whatever other artsy fartsy dreamy personal academic inadequacies in that long reflective paragraph of yours becomes totally pointless wouldn't you agree?

As long as that defeatist streak remains untamed within you, no amount of advice from a well-meaning professional counselor is going to make the slightest difference, since you will once again turn to putting the blame squarely on every cat, dog and circumstance; anything or anyone but yourself. By the way, let's be clear on one thing: given your current state, you should be worrying about landing a decent job. A career is a luxurious contemplation way beyond you.

Take a cold shower, harden your resolve to make a real change in your attitude towards life. That will be task number one. A very, very urgent task if I may add.

Peace.

Best Regards,

Mr Koh