After 12th, I took a drop year to try for NEET. I wasn't sure whether to go for engineering, medical or anything else. I thought medical was a safe bet for a job, so I went for the drop. My family also wanted me to take a drop. In the middle, I insisted on joining an engineering college instead of taking another drop, but it was already too late. Then I took another drop after I couldn't clear NEET. Still, NEET didn't work out.
Covid hit that year, and some colleges didn't even conduct BSc exams. I was devastated, but luckily I got a seat in a government engineering college.
Engineering was tough because I wasn't comfortable with maths, but I eventually started enjoying the subjects. I graduated, and it's been two years now. This year I hope to join a master's program.
I feel ashamed about the years I think I wasted. My friends got good college admissions, government jobs, and nice offers. I hope I can do better in life.
You're a bit behind, and it'll sting when you hit 30. There's not much you can do about the past, so just accept it and get to work.