Other people have their ideas about what you should be going and where you should be going. You though, have your own. Or, at least, it is to be hoped that you do. It's fine to feel inspired to make compromises on behalf of other people but it's dreadful to feel obliged to do this. The social and emotional pressure that you are coming under now should be not so much resisted as addressed. Talk to those who seem to think that you ought to be at their beck and call. You'll find a little explanation and discussion goes a long way.