Retired professor raising sheep in NJ
Yes, bountiful curiosity can help you to find a better path. I finally received my PhD at 38 only to discover that my family thought it was a waste of time, especially if I wanted to do research. Because research is worthless. I just wish I had understood more when I was raising my kids so I could prepare them better. They swear to me that they are ok despite my laisez faire parenting.
More generally, the grownups don’t know better than you. They are just repeating what they’ve been told by someone else who also didn’t know any better. More to the point, adult life is like high school, only more so.
That’s wonderful. Congratulations! I was a late bloomer as well. No one prepared me for life. I had to figure it out myself. I’m old now and still enjoy figuring things out. I hope all the best for you.
I ducked it: https://www.thespruce.com/cat-repellents-to-keep-cats-out-of-your-yard-2132573