I’ve sat on this for a day or two because it really is a tough one to reply to.
With the exercise science degree and potential options (post graduate courses probably needed) are they fields you think or know that you would be interested in? Refer to some of spikes questions but for me add in would you have a good work-Life balance? If you didn’t 100% love your job but had good hours, good pay, and good outside of work fun, then maybe that’s worth it.
Also, what makes you and your friend think you may not be good at it? You’ve already demonstrated knowledge on here about exercise etc.
Look, I get what your mate is saying, but I also think it is worth asking yourself, a somewhat negative question like, what is the likelihood that you’d make it to that dream job? If you don’t succeed and you’re 30-31 would you know for sure you wouldn’t go down the law/marketing path?
I’m that age now mate and trust me, in our country, we are still young and you can still choose what you want to do.
I went to uni at 19 to study something I thought I’d be interested in (sports management and marketing), the only two reasons I wouldn’t change my decision if I could go back in time is 1) I was young and had time to sort things out and 2) it’s where it got me now. As you’ve mentioned - you are anxious about age/ don’t want to waste time. I think that’s a factor financially. If you feel you need to get into an industry because of career/money/secure employment then that makes it harder - and I get the concerns then. If not then, chase the dream?
What does your gut say?