Parenting in today’s fast-paced world is far from easy, especially when it collides with financial stress, career pressure, and personal ambitions. A recent social media post by a 24-year-old young father has brought this harsh reality into the spotlight. Shared on Reddit, his honest confession about struggling to balance medical entrance exam preparation with full-time parenting has resonated with thousands, quickly going viral and triggering intense discussion online.

The young man, who got married at the age of 22 due to family pressure, is now the father of a toddler while simultaneously preparing for NEET, India’s highly competitive medical entrance examination. In his post, he openly admits that while he deeply loves his child, managing studies alongside parenting responsibilities has become emotionally and mentally overwhelming.

“I Love My Child, But the Reality Is Brutal”

In his detailed Reddit post, the 24-year-old explained how circumstances forced him into marriage earlier than he had planned. He wrote that backing out was never presented as an option, and within two years, he found himself navigating parenthood before feeling mentally prepared for it.

“My son will turn two this February,” he shared. “I love him—there’s no doubt about that. But the reality is extremely tough. I’m preparing for NEET, and I’m simply unable to manage my studies alongside parenting.”

He described how his days are no longer his own. His child needs constant attention, emotional presence, and time—responsibilities he acknowledges and does not want to escape from. However, this has come at the cost of his academic focus.

“When I sit down with my books, my mind drifts elsewhere. I wake up tired and go to sleep exhausted. My consistency is gone, my focus is shattered,” he wrote, highlighting the mental fatigue that comes with trying to fulfill two demanding roles at once.

The Myth of “Just Manage Your Time”

The young father also addressed the common advice often given to people in similar situations—time management. According to him, such advice ignores the reality of being responsible for another human being who depends entirely on you.

“People say, ‘Manage your time,’ but it’s not that simple,” he explained. “When someone depends on you for every small and big need, managing time becomes incredibly difficult.”

He added that he feels trapped between wanting to be a responsible, emotionally available father and pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Importantly, he clarified that he does not regret having his child, nor is he seeking sympathy.

“I don’t regret my child at all. But I feel stuck in circumstances I didn’t fully choose,” he wrote. “I don’t want pity—I just wanted to share my reality.”

Social Media Reacts: Support, Criticism, and Tough Advice

As the post gained traction, social media users flooded the comments section with mixed reactions. Some empathized with his emotional struggle, acknowledging how difficult it can be to juggle parenting and career goals at such a young age.

Others, however, offered blunt and practical advice. One user commented, “Marriage might have been your family’s decision, but a child is entirely your responsibility.” Another suggested that even if he clears NEET, medical studies would be extremely demanding in his current situation.

“Even if you get into medical college, studying will remain difficult,” one comment read. “It might be better to take up a job first, stabilize your life, and then think about MBBS. By the time you graduate, you’ll already be 28 or 29, and starting a career then won’t be easy either.”

Some users were more critical, pointing out the importance of family planning. One commenter wrote, “I’m preparing for NEET too, and I’m surprised you didn’t consider ways to avoid having a child given your circumstances.”

A Reflection of Modern-Day Pressures

This viral post has sparked a broader conversation about early marriage, parental pressure, lack of mental preparedness, and the challenges young parents face in balancing ambition with responsibility. It highlights how societal expectations often collide with personal dreams, leaving individuals struggling silently.

Ultimately, the young father’s story is not just about one person—it reflects the reality of many young adults trying to navigate adulthood, parenthood, and career aspirations all at once. His candid words have opened the door for a much-needed discussion on emotional support, realistic expectations, and the importance of choice in life-altering decisions.