Assalamualaikum sisters - Career or marriage? (23F, unemployed, confused)
Assalamualaikum, I'm looking for advice from fellow Muslim women. May Allah guide us all. I'm 23F and I've always been focused on building a career. I honestly don't want children and I'm not very keen on getting married right now. Still, I get anxious about my future - when everyone around me is married and moving on, where will I be? I don't want to force myself into marriage or motherhood because it's not what I want. People tell me to move out, but in my country it's nearly impossible for a woman who isn't earning to do that. I graduated this year and it's been five months with no luck finding work. It's unlikely I'll land something immediately. By next September I hope to go abroad for a master's, but I know once I come back the pressure to marry will be stronger. I'm hoping to have a job by then so I won't feel financially dependent on my parents. A marriage proposal came recently and I regret agreeing to meet him. I think I said yes because I felt useless sitting at home without work or commitments. I know I'm young, but I want to believe things can get better for women like me. I don't want to be stuck unemployed and feel like I've lost my plans - my goals will take time and effort, and I don't want to give them up for marriage. Does it make sense to keep trying for a job and an independent life, or should I accept that, realistically, being unmarried here can be harder and maybe prioritise marriage? Dua and honest advice appreciated. Insha'Allah Allah makes a way.