Eejit's Guide

Failure is Inevitable, but Greater Success is Achievable

At some point in life, failure is inevitable. I personally experienced that through lessons learned from failing at university. But what if I told you failure could be the key to success? My journey from academic failure to career growth taught me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and personal growth. If you’re struggling with setbacks, this post will show you how to turn failure into a stepping stone for success.

High school had been smooth sailing, with good exam results securing my spot without any issues. I wanted to become an electrical engineer since I was young, spurred on by career days pointing me in that direction. Plus, I loved watching Transformers, the Hasbro version

Failing at University

I was in a relationship and living together while managing the challenges of university life. The first two years went smoothly, but my second year became especially busy with the birth of my son. In my third year, everything fell apart. I failed to manage my time and commit to my studies, and failing felt like a crushing blow. After dedicating so much to my career, a massive obstacle left me uncertain about the future. If you didn’t get the exam results you hoped for, I can relate! I often feared I had let my parents down, and that was a tough mental space to be in.

Career Growth From Failure

I promised myself I’d try again and complete my degree. I reached out to my university for advice and ultimately had to switch universities. So, I started my third year over at a new university, more focused and dedicated to my studies. I attended extra tutorial groups and put in the extra effort. Finally, I completed my degree. I vividly remember sitting at my computer at home, opening the message that confirmed I would graduate with Honours. The relief I felt in that moment was unparalleled.

Final Thoughts: Lessons Learned

Reflecting on that journey, I’ve realized that the lessons learned from failing university have built my resilience. This kind of strength comes only from setbacks, and it propels you forward. I firmly believe that understanding and managing failure is crucial—it’s an essential ingredient for true success.

Today, there are many great pathways to enter the field of engineering. My advice to anyone out there: don’t give up. Keep pushing forward. If I can do it, so can you. It’s entirely achievable.

Have you ever faced a major setback? How did you overcome it? Share your story in the comments!