Struggling with Wearing the Niqab

As-salamu alaykum sisters, Lately, I've been having a hard time with wearing the niqab. I began wearing it in my early teens when I was mostly around other Muslims, and I was very committed to it. But as I got older and started spending more time in non-Muslim places like college and work, I kind of stopped wearing it in professional settings or when eating. I still wear it at family gatherings, Islamic events, and whenever I'm in a Muslim environment, but I feel like I've lost the confidence or just don’t see the need to wear it in non-Muslim or work settings. In my mind, it feels like I only wear it when I need that extra protection, which is usually around people I know well in Muslim spaces. But when I'm alone in non-Muslim places, I don’t feel safe wearing it. So, honestly, I wear it about half the time. I don’t believe the niqab is obligatory, and I’m not trying to argue about that. I just wanted to hear what other sisters think, especially if anyone else is going through the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I’m not giving the niqab the respect it deserves, but then I also think I should keep trying and not give up completely. It's been confusing for me, and I really needed to share this with my sisters, whether you wear the niqab or not. I still dress modestly and wear my hijab properly. Also, since I’m at the age where marriage is on the horizon, I wonder how I’ll explain this to any potential spouse. I hope they’ll trust me to make my own choices. JazakAllahu khair for listening.