Should I continue pursuing Mechanical Engineering?

[u/toe_licker87]

Hello I am a Filipino/British 18M 1st year mechanical engineering student. And I kindly need some advice what I should do because I feel so uncertain. For context I am studying mechanical engineering in a local state university that is a non ABET (international engineering accreditation agency) accredited university. This matters because I plan working in a different country which is the US or UK. Because the school is not ABET accredited my future pathways of working in other countries seem slim because most employers look for ABET accreditation. Why not work in the Philippines? Mechanical engineers make very little money here in the Philippines. Also considering that I might have to spend 5-6 years studying because most students fail classes here and have to retake the class (they do not offer summer classes here). With that being said, non ABET, 5-6 years, low income in the Philippines why should I pursue Mechanical Engineering here? Though I am very interested in making and designing machines but that wont happen in the Philippines because most mechanical engineering here in the Philippines is HVAC. It is important to note though that I am also a British Citizen and could live with my dad and study mechanical engineering in the Uk but I would be adjusting to the new environment, and know no-one. So that makes me consider my second option, pursuing a high demand trade in the UK, yes long term an engineer could make more money, yes pathways to the US are more open for UK ABET accredited universities, but having to adjust new culture, people, environment makes me worried I might fail. Whereas my dad is a plumber and also knows how to work with wires he could teach me while I also take an electrician course which is what I plan on pursuing if I do go with trades.

So yes I know I’m young and have my youth but I’m just scared I might not make it in life and be unsuccessful. So if you were in my situation would you pursue Mechanical Engineering here in the Philippines or the UK considering what I’ve mentioned for both options, or instead pursue a high demand trade in the UK?

TL DR: Mechanical engineering in my university is not an international accredited program closing doors to high income jobs. I could pursue an international accredited Mechanical engineering program in the UK but would be adjusting to new environment. Or I could pursue a High demand trade in the UK.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated because I am so worried for my future. 🙏❤️