Left mech engg to chase maths, dad gave ultimatum, need practical advice

[Ananya]

So I was doing mechanical engineering at college and quit a few months back because I just couldn't see myself doing it forever. I got into maths seriously and it just clicked like nothing else ever did. I'm prepping for some maths entrance exams and also doing an online CS degree from a reputable university on the side.

Now the problem: my dad has a massive ego about this. He can't accept that I left mech engg and thinks the online degree and staying at home is a failure or embarrassment. Today he gave me an ultimatum – either go back to a conventional college or get out of the house. No middle ground, no discussion.

I've tried everything to convince him, nothing works. It's not about logic, it's about his ego. I know I can't change his mind.

Here's where I am – I truly believe in what I'm doing. The online CS degree is from a good institution and I'm serious about maths. I just need some financial stability and a way to support myself until I'm on my feet. I'm not looking for sympathy, just practical options.

Has anyone faced a similar situation? What did you do? Are there any fellowships, part‑time jobs, residential programmes, anything that could help a maths and CS student in India become independent? I'm open to literally anything at this point.

[As for my qualifications – I've been self‑studying maths for several months, covering olympiad‑level material, calculus, algebra, combinatorics. I also have programming knowledge and am enrolled in a reputable online CS degree. I'm not starting from zero.]

[Neeraj]

Teaching can be a good option. You could try tutoring – since your degree is online you can tutor or join a school to teach maths for class 11th and 12th; it pays decent money, not huge but enough, and if you plan to do PG it helps. Also, is the degree from BITS? You can also start applying for internships on sites like Indeed or Naukri. Even if you're in the first year, a good CGPA (around really helps, so keep your studies strong. I'm a CS major myself. You could also consider an education loan if needed.

[Sneha]

Which college is the online degree from? Which maths exams are you preparing for?