Does anyone have recommendations on how to figure this out? Or a personal story they would like to share in response?
So if I understand correctly you are in 1st year and don't like about 40% of your classes? That is not a great sign but not horrible.
A lot of people struggle with those core courses, myself included. But I loved the kinematics, statics, dynamics, design and strength of materials. Math and Chem sucked. I was done with Chem after 1st year but my weakness in math haunted me throughout my degree. I think I've taken 8 math classes or something. Never did like the calculus but algebra, programming and optimization can be fun. Looking at the future course in your program do any of them excite you?
Even after graduating a lot of engineers don't love their jobs and have a career change or find themselves here ;)
That said it can be a well paying rewarding career.
My advice to others in your shoes, stick with it until you know what else to try. I gave this advice to a 3rd year student who finished but then went on to get a masters in communications (or something) and now does patent work. They are no longer cranking out math but their technical background certainly helps them with their job.
I mentored a strong engineering student who was accepted to med school. They ditched engineering 1 year from the end but have now told me they regret not finishing that degree.
Since we are also on this forum I think it depends how much your current program is costing you. Are you living at home and going to an affordable college? Can you do a co-op program to help with tuition? I would feel differently about $20K in debt after 4 years vs $100K.
I hope some of this was helpful, even if a bit contradictory.
My final advice is if you feel a strong draw towards something else go for it, otherwise try to tough it out past those core courses and then you can get to the fun stuff.