Accounting is the most lucrative and easiest path to go down, but far from the most rewarding. If you're looking for a soulful job, accounting isn't it, in fact, it's a far cry from it. Go down whichever path you want; you are the one that is going to be working it, not your family. If you want to go down the merchandising path, remember to study for the right classes and not get caught up in the drama when you tell your family that you've decided on something different from what they told you; I know it's easier said than done, but, trust me, once you have your idea job and you're earning a lot of money, doing what you love, you'll realize that stint of drama was well worth it.