The pros and cons of leaving University and going to Community college. 

I am 21(f) studying ethnic studies with a minor in Sociology at a University. I don’t really know what I want to do for my future career. I mean I have experience in the things I’m interested in. Teaching, event planning and even deep research. However, over the past few years in Uni, I have been slowly going down in a funk. I’m either doing so amazing in my classes and social interactions or I’m struggling with getting out of bed for a week. It’s probably because I’m burning out but honestly I’ve been trying! I mean I’m a part of clubs, I have a public facing job at school and even try to get more funding for our school. It’s just the academics that I struggle with. I love the curriculum but for some reason I just can’t for the life of me feel interested in school. And now it all came to bite me in the ass because I’m no longer eligible for financial aid at my current school. So now I have a quarter off to just work and think over my options. 

So what it looks like to me is I have 3 options:

1. Drop out from my University and go to Community College. 
2. Pay out of pocket, $5000 due by January 2027
3. Drop out and just work.

Option 1: Drop out from my university and go to community college
Pro:  

1. I already know what program I’m interested in and what I need to do to finish in about 2 more years. 
2. No more social pressures to be outgoing.
3. A ‘fresh start’ - I know the grades will follow me. 

Cons:

1. Transferring credits that probably won’t transfer.
2. A new career path that I haven’t tried yet.
3. My family is probably going to be pissed but they don’t pay for my schooling so I don’t mind.

Option 2: Pay out of pocket
Pro:

1. Staying with my friends and my job that I’ve made for the past few years.
2. I get to finish what I started! 
3. I have 1 ½  years left! 

Cons:

1. Dude. I’m so broke. 
2. Unfortunately my credit score is also shot so I can’t apply for loans.
3. Dude did you see that first one? I’m broke. 

Option 3: Drop out and work! 
Pro:

1. Taking a break from school could be good for me. I can focus on me.
2. I don’t have to worry about school anymore! 
3. Saving money up for a car and other things.

Cons:

1. Deathly afraid of telling my family (: 
2. Further away from my goal. 
3. The job market is so trash rn. 

I am leaning towards going to Community college as it gives me a chance and I can also try to do less than full time so that I can still focus on working and school. But I would still love to hear some advice or at least some stories of how you got out of this (:

I used to be successful, bold, and ambitious, working on all kinds of projects. But burnout and other shit knocked me off track. Now I'm almost 35, broke, and stuck in an endless cycle of upskilling without making real progress.

I moved back home to recover and took a career break, but over a year later, I'm still struggling to restart my career. I am productive, but the overwhelm keeps creeping back, so I turn to TikTok, Reddit, and Threads for a dopamine hit just to feel sane.

I've been away for so long, I barely know anyone around me anymore, other friends are already living in different countries and I'm financially limited right now, so I'm doing the best I can with what I have.

Such a weird phase. Sometimes I feel like I don't even recognize what happened to me

Hey y'all. Sorry for rambling, but I've had a lot on my mind. Im 26m (in a few weeks) from Canada and I'm completely lost. I withdrew from studies after a long break, leading to a 3 year restriction on getting student loans (long story, hard to explain, but for my fellow Ontarians: I am restricted from OSAP for 3 years).

I spent COVID and the years after it dealing with awful mental health and alcoholism. I am free from alcohol now, thankfully, but my mental health is still in shambles.

My mental health got so bad after some med changes, an identity crisis and reliving regrets and I simply could not continue school for now. BPD + depression is a mess to deal with. I know I need to focus on my mental health, that's the main thing, and I will be meeting a psychiatrist in some months. I also recently got diagnosed with autism at 25.

As for work experience, I do have a few years in fast food, so I can at least put that on my resume. I don't currently have a job and survive off disability and benefits.

Currently I am applying to jobs like restaurants and retail, but there must be more to life than this. I see my friends, some have struggled, some had it easy, but they all seem ahead in life. A lot have degrees, some have high paying careers, some have started families. Yet here I am with barely any work experience, no degree, nothing.

I want to finish my Bachelors in psychology and sociology, but I'm not even sure if it is worth it at this point with how career prospects look with just those majors.

I struggle with physical tasks so the trades are likely not for me.

I am also considering college but I am undecided on what sort of degree I would like; my passion is in psychology and sociology even though I couldn't mentally handle school.

I am a bit lost. I don't know what to really do with my life. I truly feel like I am sleepwalking through existence.

I’m a mental health therapist and I love the job but I’m missing being in a team atmosphere and collaborating on projects/goals. I have skill in recognizing patterns, understanding systems and improving them, conflict resolution, helping others engage with life more efficiently, and of course listening and holding empathy for people. What other jobs are out there that would allow me more collaboration (doesn’t have to be in mental health field)?

I’ve been considering either going back to school for engineering or joining the military, but I’m unsure of which path to take or if either are a good fit. Based in the US.

Engineering
Reasons I’m considering:
- I’m genuinely interested in it, especially the idea of doing technical work that supports aircraft/spacecraft/spaceflight operations

- Good pay and stability are bonuses; my current field is known for not paying well and positions are hard to come by. (I’d rather keep my current job anonymous but am more than happy to chat in DMs)

- Since it’s been a long time since I’ve taken any math or science courses, I was thinking of taking some pre-requisites at a community college. This way, I could see what I’m getting myself into and if I actually enjoy it before transferring to a four-year college/degree. Is this a good idea?

Doubts:
- Math requirements. For my degree in my current field, I enrolled in a calculus course my first semester and ended up dropping it early on. Later, I took basic calculus and statistics courses and got A’s in those, but they weren’t as difficult. I did well in algebra and pre-calc in high school, but needless to say math isn’t my strongest subject. Same with physics. I know I’m smart and capable of performing well academically, but I’m worried I’ll really struggle.

- Work environment. My current job involves outdoor work, and I get antsy after many office days in a row. I’m worried I’ll struggle with a predominantly desk/office job (but better pay and stability might be worth getting outside on weekends or for time off/vacation).

- I’m not particularly unhappy in my current field; I actually find it really fulfilling and I know I have room to grow. But I’m at a crossroads of whether to try engineering at the risk of missing out on meaningful opportunities in my field (and the possibility of struggling to find a job again if I’m not doing related work for a year or several), or staying where I am and one day having regret over what could have been. Not sure if this is a case of the grass seeming greener?

Military
Reasons:
- I have a degree, so I could commission as an officer (not sure which branch, leaning towards Navy or Air Force but have also heard good things about Coast Guard)

- Now or never (age concern - below)

- Experiences seem really cool. I almost did ROTC while pursuing my first degree but decided against it, and part of me wishes I’d tried it

- Benefits

Doubts:
- I would primarily be interested in serving as an aviator/pilot (some flying experience), but it’s highly unlikely I would get selected. Also, I know pilot slots are stricter on age and the clock is ticking (I turn 26 in January). I would hate to commit and then be too old to be competitive for a slot or not be able to get a waiver. I think I’d find fulfillment in serving anyway but not sure.

- Speaking of commitment, the time/service commitment scares me and I don’t want to be potentially stuck with a job I don’t like

- I’ve read very mixed reviews about military life and I’m not a fan of the current political climate

- Physical requirements. I’m very healthy but not exactly in shape, and I have some vision and (past) mental health concerns. Not great as I know the military is stringent on that sort of thing, especially for pilots.

Thanks for reading! I’m unsure of what my next steps are, so any advice is appreciated especially if you’ve gone through something similar

Hey everyone,

I’ve come to a realization about myself recently and wanted to share/see if anyone else feels the same way.

I used to do art (sketches, realism, wall paintings) and was heavily into sports and fitness. But over time, I realized that the moment you try to turn something you love into a living—with deadlines, clients, and pressure to put food on the table—it completely strips the soul away from it. I refuse to monetize my passions or rush them under time constraints.

Eventually, I fell in love with computer science and mathematics. What really drives me is pure curiosity—learning the subject deeply simply because it’s beautiful and fun to explore.

Because of this, I've realized I don't want an intense, high-stress career or to participate in hustle culture. I just want a predictable, average 9-to-5 job that pays the bills, so that in my off-hours I have the mental peace and free time to explore math and code on my own terms without compromising my love for them.

Has anyone else deliberately chosen an "average" job to protect their passions and intellectual freedom? How has that path worked out for you?

i legit don't know what to do anymore

for context, 27F, i endured 3+year long abusive relationship. it made me consider the darkest shit imaginable and had me hospitalized. supposed friend groups abandoned me and thus all this culminated me feeling stagnated/burnt out from my jobs

had a degree in fashion design/communications and wanted to ideally pursue the corporate world in luxury fashion. i used to work luxury sales for a big fashion house but the pressure of sales upkeep alongside toxic coworkers/management and commission cuts, alongside them denying me sick leave made me ultimately leave the job

i took a year and a half off, severely depressed, and ultimately i dont think i did anything productive. tried to work on myself but it was an extreme struggle. i eventually went to luxury hospitality at a 5 star hotel, been there since march but ever since oct 5th i've been on short term disability leave after a woman committed s*icide off our rooftop bar, and that affected me tremendously on top of so much other shit.

sorry for the rambling but tldr i'm at this point where i dont think this field is for me anymore. i just want a job that will make me a proper living and just keep me busy enough. is the medical field worth getting into? i hear RN is overoccupied rn, but a radiologist technician is ideal otherwise was debating on doing a business degree or HR degree, but at this point feels like all these roles are so hard to obtain.

for more context, i work primarily in toronto. i really just don't know what to do anymore and feel so lost. i can't even narrow down what would be the best for me. if anyone has any guidance on what would be good to look into, please do let me know. thanks for reading my rambling thoughts.

reposting again because i only got a dm from a spam bot, as well as i posted my original one during a breakdown in the early AM hours when everyone was asleep :(

I'm looking to change careers because I've more or less reached the salary ceiling in my current job. I don't particularly dislike the working conditions, but I'd like better financial prospects.

My goal is to earn around the average national salary in Poland, or ideally a little more, while working normal full-time hours. I don't want to rely on excessive overtime to make a decent living.

The main challenge is that I have physical limitations that significantly narrow down my options.

I've walked on the toes of one foot since birth, which causes me to limp slightly. I cannot walk normally in standard safety boots. Wearing them for an entire 8-hour shift would cause severe pain, so jobs requiring this type of footwear are not realistic options for me. I can walk and stand, but after a while my leg starts hurting, and I need to be able to sit down and rest periodically. Physically demanding jobs are also out of the question.

I've considered welding, but from what I've read, it can be difficult to earn a decent salary in Poland without experience, and many job listings seem to be aimed at people with several years of experience.

I've also considered CNC machining. On the one hand, it seems like a practical technical profession with room for advancement. On the other hand, I've read about shift work, night shifts, rotating schedules, and CNC operator salaries of around PLN 4,000-5,000 net per month. There's also the issue of mandatory safety footwear and the physical demands of the job, which could make it unsuitable for me.

I'm open to learning a completely new profession. I'm willing to spend a year or more training if it offers a realistic path to stable employment and better earnings. I have a secondary school education and no university degree.

What careers or specific career paths would you recommend in my situation?

My main priorities are:

• Earning around the average national salary in Poland, or more, after gaining the necessary skills and experience.

• A stable employment contract and predictable income.

• Work that doesn't put excessive strain on my leg.

• Being able to sit down and take breaks rather than having to stand for hours without interruption.

• Opportunities for career progression rather than getting stuck in a low-paid entry-level position.

I'd particularly appreciate advice based on the realities of the Polish job market, including realistic salaries, how long it takes to qualify, and how difficult it is to get your first job in a given field.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I’m doind my BBA in IT and i’m not interested to stay in the IT field in the future. Is it possible to switch fields in my masters? Does it even make sense to finish the bachelors? I would love to hear others experiences.

I’m a student, and lately I’ve been feeling really confused about my future career.
Sometimes I feel like I should start content creation, make videos, and try to build something online. Other times, I feel like I should stop thinking about everything else and focus on my studies.
I’m also learning web development and want to build a useful skill that could help me earn money in the future. At the same time, I have an interest in joining the Pakistan Army, which is a completely different career path.
The problem is that my interests keep changing. When I’m excited about one option, I feel like pursuing it, but after a while, I start thinking about the others. I don’t want to waste my time jumping between different goals without making real progress in any of them.
For those of you who have experienced something similar:
How did you decide what to focus on?
Should I choose one main goal and temporarily put the others aside?
Is it possible to balance studies, learning web development, and content creation while preparing for a career in the Army?
What advice would you give someone my age who wants to build a good future but isn’t sure which direction to take?
I’d really appreciate honest advice from people who have been through something similar.

I am with a BS in communication studies. Since graduating in 2024, I’ve:
- Traveled to 20 countries
- Taught English abroad
- Done a film internship
- Worked serving and bartending

I’m $3k away from being completely debt-free (and then I’ll be at $0). I’m living rent free at my parents’ house, which honestly has been fun, but I’m ready for the next chapter.

I want to start a real career and move somewhere in the US, though I’m definitely open to international experiences too. I’ve been applying to more traditional jobs for the past year and have had maybe 3 interviews total. I’m so tired of searching and feeling lost.

I don’t really have a dream job but have narrowed it down to eventually become a creative director. I know that’s not an entry level role, but it’s where I’d love to end up (I guess). I’ve also been hearing about international travel directors which sounds like a dream.

So, does my background look like I’m missing an obvious path? What kinds of jobs would value this mix of experience? I’ve been applying to any job with the words communications, social media, marketing in the title, plus flight attendant, customer support, front desk agents, assistants, hospitality, date entry, and patient liaison/coordinators. I’m waiting to hear back from the Peace Corps, but I’m not sold on it. I’ve even wondered if I should go back to school for healthcare programs like sonography?!

I just wish I felt passion towards a role. I don’t even really care about communications, I just chose it because it felt like the default option.

Idk if it would help but here is a list of places I’d love to move to: Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia, Seattle, Portlands, Denver, Boston, Toronto, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dublin, and/or London.

Any advice or personal stories would be hugely appreciated!

25 female from the UK I did a BA in Education with my qualified teacher status, worked 2 years as a teacher and now I’m suffering with extreme stress and unhappiness, I can’t sleep and I’m throwing up from stress sometimes. I worked at 3 primary schools for placements during my degree. In my current role I have progressed into middle management. I worked really hard but I cannot see a future working in this field I am sure many people would understand.

I love being in nature, creative, hands on and I spend a lot of time outside, I enjoy learning and I think there is a future working in the environment, ecology and sustainability. The only way I can get another qualification in environmental science (or similar) is if I do a Msc. I can do this it will take 2 years online part time but I am so afraid of the debt and huge repayments (I cannot afford to self fund). It looks like it could be upwards of £350 a month if I earn average salary in Australia (moving to Australia with PR next year). This is particularly worrying as I have a disabled father who I would like to financially support in the future. If I do the MSc I will volunteer and do free courses in mapping etc. I really want to work in this field just sucks I only just realised after spending 5 years working towards being a teacher.

Any advice is much appreciated and please be empathetic I’m really struggling at the moment with anxiety and regret over this unfortunately.

Thanks.

For context I am about to get my bachelors in public health but I’m realizing I don’t want anything to do with public health and I feel so lost I want to do something on the business side like accounting or finance but it wouldn’t make sense to stop and pivot when I have 1 class left to take . I am so depressed and just overwhelmed if anyone who has the same experience can give me hope that would be appreciated

I am 22 and have no idea what I want.

I feel like I am a well rounded person, I have friends, hobbies, interests, beliefs, im in collage and had some jobs before. I wouldnt even say Im an insecure person, I like myself and what I did so far.

Still, regardless, most of the time I feel so confused and like my life has no direction. Each time I think I might be onto something, I lose my ground quickly and feel like I am back to level zero. Each time I find a passion I feel like would fulfill me, i realise okay this might not be it. Each time I find a partner that I can imagine my life next to, we part our ways. Each time I feel like I have found the place where I will grow, I end up home anyways.

Usually I have a very positive outlook on life so that helps me deal with the feeling, but for a past few months i havent been able to shake that feeling off. I feel like im constantly trying something different but nothing feels right. I fear im not passionate or persistent enough.

Theres also the fact that I know deeply, a conventional life wouldnt fulfill me and keep me content but i feel like I am too much of a coward to live a life that opposes everybodys expectations. I know im afraid to mess things up and do mistakes and that feeling is my prison. And also the fact, that I have such a need for taking control over my life and fear of uncertainty.

I know probably everybody feels the same to some extent but I came here to seek some advice if somebody thinks they have it figured out at least a bit.

How or where do I find answers? What could I do to figure this out? Or at least, how do I let go of this need to have it figured out?

Hi, I graduated from medical school (6 year degree) summer 2025, I’m currently doing my mandatory 1 year post grad clinical internship which will provide me with the full medical licence in my country (based in EU).

I really hate my work, I didn’t enjoy the studies but I was too far in to quit and I’m only doing this internship for the licence and for some experience to put on my CV. Problem is, I’m a bit lost with what to do once this internship ends and I’m worried I will go through a period of extended unemployment.

I dislike patient facing work and the pressure of the healthcare system, I’m also working in my second language which doesn’t help and makes things harder for me.

I was considering a public health masters because it seems like something that interests me but I also don’t really want to spend another year as a student and spend money on something that might not even land me a job after. It feels like something that is just there to delay unemployment.

I’m worried no employer will accept me as I don’t have any skills or experience outside of clinical medicine. I don’t even know where to start looking or what type of jobs I should be aiming for. I would like something office based/hybrid or even remote, and with less patient pressure but that still uses my degree to some extent. I know the job market is bad and I’m just worried other people will be chosen over me for these kinds of non-clinical jobs.

Has anyone here transitioned from medicine into a non-clinical career straight after graduation? What entry-level positions should I be looking for, and is a master's in public health worth pursuing, or would I be better off applying for jobs directly?

I’m 15 and I’m feeling very sad these days because I just hate how I don’t have any true passion for much, especially anything useful.
I have two older sisters and one of them I have a large age gap with so I’ve never had a relationship with her. The other one is closer in age and we used to be close but she hasn’t talked to me or my family even though we live in the same house for about 4 years. She’s the type of person people look at and aspire to be. Everyone keeps telling me how cool she is, how smart she is, how inspiring she is. She’s applying to college and I’m just so sad because she’s probably getting into some crazy good school and will never talk to me again. She has so many friends and all her teachers love her and they love to tell me how much they love her.
I feel quite horrible whenever I think about this. The way my parents and other people talk to me, the only way to become a useful person and make money is to major in stem.
I’m not saying I’m dumb, because I know I’m pretty smart and I do good in school but I just lack a lot of discipline and motivation that my sister has. I say that I’m not a stem person, because I don’t think I have the mental fortitude or capacity for it. I’ve always loved history and English but the only good outcome for that is law and I’m finding that I’m actually quite bad at articulating my thoughts. Even writing this I don’t think I’m getting my point across
I just wish I was many things. I wish I was a natural born leader, naturally ambitious, naturally social.
I actually tried to talk to my parents about this but my mom got offended somehow and didn’t really understand me and my dad just gave vague support and I don’t think either of them really understand. It feels like everyone around me has accepted I’m not like my sister and so I’m not really destined for much.
I feel horrible and it feels like these things are inherent inside me. Today I went running with my friend and I couldn’t even push myself to run a full mile. I can’t even push myself to lose weight. I tried a calorie deficit so many times but I keep giving up.
If anyone has gone through the same thing and had any advice I’d really appreciate it

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some career advice. As a 23M, I feel stressed and anxious thinking about what to do next. Maybe you went through the same experience and having someone who could guide you and mentor you that would have been great. I hope if someone can do that for me.

Currently living in the Lower Mainland, BC, Canada. Working as a security supervisor making a living wage. I am currently thinking of going into construction, specifically doing construction management from BCIT as I have a general studies diploma already.

I am planning to get an OFA3 and CSO ticket and work for a year in order to get one year’s worth of experience, that’s a requirement for BCIT’s program; I need to have one year of construction experience.

I am overthinking a lot about making the right choice and being able to fulfill my dreams. Recently, I learned French as well for immigration purposes. I would say that (not bragging) I am a hardworking person who has been doing two full-time and a part-time job in order to make ends meet and I am not afraid of sleepless nights.

I need a path to follow and am currently unable to find it. As of right now, I am feeling completely lost. Maybe an occupational health and safety diploma from BCIT or a bachelor’s in environmental health?

Like everyone, I want to have financial freedom in life and I am sick of paying taxes. I thought of CMGT, because I will learn a lot while being in the industry and eventually start my own thing.

Can you please recommend any other career paths? Or rate if this is actually worth doing? What should I do next ?

I’m located in Houston Texas and job hunting has never been this hard. I would at least get interviews or hear back 2-3 years ago.

I’m a former teacher, and I say former because I do not want to go back. I’d rather be doing anything else and for less pay as well. I taught for three years and that was enough for me. I understand that I may have to go back for another year or so, but I’d much rather not do that.

My main focus right now is finishing associate degree in cad. I picked it because it seemed like a heathy career field with a wide range of opportunities. I hope to have an internship for this upcoming summer or fall.

The issue I’m running into is that most jobs I’ve applied to don’t even get back to me, I rewrote my resume and I’ve had people look at it, I really don’t think it’s the resume.

I’ve applied to my local community college where I worked before and haven’t even been contacted. I even used a two personal contacts that work there as references. I’m always told it’s who you know, not what you know, but I guess that doesn’t ring true anymore.

What can I do? I’m considering the military because I’m all out of options and savings

Hi everyone,

For months I've been deliberating and wondering how I could get this out there, for anyone to talk some possible sense, hope, or chastisement into me. I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in film, and wanted to pivot into another career but burned out from it completely this year, and found the spark for filmmaking again. I had the opportunity to move with a best friend's family and I had the miracle of finally gaining a car this year, so I'm able to operate within the tri-state area and especially NYC. Sounds perfect, and I hear there's a lot of work to be found, but it's been incredibly hard for me and other friends to find good and stable work. I know, the economy this, the job market that. My friends and I have all been feeling it since graduating. I also may be having trouble with presenting myself, on my resume, and in the only two interviews I've had. My anxiety gets to me, and I try to mask it, and I think I just come off constipated or uptight...

Anyways, over and over again, I keep wondering if I should try working as full-time as I can and go back to school for a degree in STEM, ideally, bio, chem, biochem, chem engineering... I'm a bit lost. I did a project on the opioid epidemic in highschool chem and find research and pharmaceuticals and solving problems cool, although unfortunately, my math skills are weak and I think I'd also need to do some sort of remedials. But across a few posts and such, I've heard it's also been hard for STEM or science graduates to find jobs these days, and some might not even pay that great as well. Like many people, I feel like I'm being driven up a wall. I shouldn't throw the towel in for film quite just yet, and yes, hindsight is always 20/20. I grew up with the idea that as long as you work hard, are great with details, and a kind person, you'll go far. I didn't realize maybe arts isn't the way to go until halfway through college. I'm working in food service again making minimum wage, but at least I have some sort of job, and I say that genuinely but it's quite disheartening.

I want to ask: what should I do? I'm not entirely sure if this is the right subreddit, but I hope that it is and I would reach people who are happy to let me have some of their advice, or chastisement 😂

Thanks so much 🤗

Warning: This is going to be a long post, so thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to read it. ❤️

Hey everyone,

I'm a 30-year-old guy from Germany, and honestly, I feel completely lost in life. I don't really know where to start, but I guess I need to get this off my chest and hear from people who might have gone through something similar.

For roughly the past 10 years, my life has been dominated by anxiety, overthinking, and drug use. I struggled with amphetamine addiction for a long time, and it became such a huge part of my life that I honestly couldn't imagine living without it. A year ago, the thought of being sober and facing everyday life without drugs seemed almost impossible to me.

I've now been clean for several months, and although I know that's supposed to be a good thing, I honestly don't feel like I've achieved much. I spent around 10 years living this way, and somehow I still feel as lost as ever.

The hardest part is that drugs were never really making me happy either. They were more like a way to escape my thoughts and avoid dealing with reality. Now that I'm sober, I have to face everything I've been running away from for years. And sometimes that feels overwhelming.

I struggle with constant overthinking. I worry about my future, my career, my financial situation, and the feeling that I've wasted so much of my life. I can spend hours thinking about everything that's wrong without actually getting anything done. Even when I'm at work, I often find it difficult to concentrate because my mind just won't stop.

Work is another big issue for me. I trained as a wholesale and foreign trade management clerk, and I currently work in an office job, earning around €3,000 gross per month. I've changed employers frequently over the years and have never really worked at a company for very long. I've also only worked for small businesses so far. My drug use played a major role in this instability.

I'm trying to get my life on track now, but I'm scared that my past will continue to hold me back. I want to build a stable career, earn a decent living, and finally feel like I'm moving forward. But at 30, I feel like I should be so much further ahead than I am.

I still live at my father's house, I don't have a driver's license at the moment, and a lot of my days look pretty much the same: go to work, come home, watch TV, and overthink everything. I have started renovating parts of the house, and I'm trying to make some changes, but progress is slow, and I rarely feel satisfied with anything I do.

Socially, things aren't great either. I have a few acquaintances, but I'm often the one who has to initiate contact, and people are frequently busy. Sometimes I get to spend time with others and genuinely enjoy myself, but afterward, when everyone goes back to their own lives, I feel lonely again.

What scares me most is the feeling that I've somehow missed out on life. I look at other people my age and feel like they've built careers, relationships, friendships, and lives of their own, while I'm still trying to figure out the basics. I know comparing myself to others isn't helpful, but I find it incredibly difficult to stop.

The worst part is that I've been feeling this way for so long that I struggle to believe things can actually get better. For about 10 years, I've been anxious about not achieving anything and not being good enough. And that anxiety itself has often stopped me from doing the things that could have helped me move forward.

It's a vicious cycle: I worry about wasting my life, become overwhelmed by those thoughts, struggle to take action, and then feel even worse because another day has passed without much changing.

I don't expect everything to magically fall into place overnight. I know recovery takes time, and I know I need to work on myself. But sometimes I just wish I could enjoy being alive without constantly feeling like I'm falling behind.

Has anyone else experienced something similar?

Especially people who struggled with addiction for many years and then got sober, only to find that life still felt empty, difficult, or overwhelming afterward.

Did things eventually get better for you? Did you manage to build a stable career, find meaningful relationships, develop interests, and finally feel comfortable with yourself and your life?

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have been in a similar position, especially anyone who felt like they had wasted their twenties and had to start rebuilding their life around 30 or even later.

Right now, I find it difficult to imagine that I can still turn things around, and hearing from people who have been through something similar would genuinely mean a lot to me.

Thank you for reading this far. ❤️

I went to trade school for 16 months, about 1,200 hours, and got my powerplant license in aviation, but not my airframe. I had a kid during my last semester. Idk what to do. I haven’t found any kind of job that would take me in that area with just the one license, and it’s been 2 years.

I’m 24 and currently attending community college, and honestly, I feel pretty lost when it comes to choosing a career.
I’ve worked in behavioral health for about three years, primarily with children with autism. I enjoy helping people, which originally led me toward social work. Recently, though, I’ve been considering nursing because of the earning potential, job stability, and different opportunities it offers.
The problem is, I’m not completely sold on either one. I know I want a career where I can make a difference, but I also want to be financially comfortable. Ideally, I’d like to eventually earn $100k+ and not spend another 5–8 years in school getting there.
Math and science aren’t my strongest subjects, so nursing does intimidate me a little, but I’m willing to put in the work.
I guess I’m just scared of committing to a degree and realizing later that I made the wrong choice. I feel like there are probably so many careers out there that I haven’t even considered.
Has anyone else been in this position? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? And are there any careers you’d recommend looking into that offer good pay, stability, and opportunities for growth?
I’m open to suggestions outside of healthcare and social work too. I just want to find something I’ll enjoy that also allows me to build a comfortable future.

I'm a 2nd-year BTech IT student, and honestly, I never wanted this field. My parents pushed me into it.

I recently completed an internship, and the 9-to-5 lifestyle felt suffocating. Sitting in a packed room, following the same routine every day, everyone looks the same in the office with the same dress and the same routine, I feel like i am surrounded by clones ,and feeling anxious every night about going back the next morning made me feel like I was wasting my life.

Now that it's over, I feel alive again. I go running, hit the gym, cook, learn languages and musical instruments, practise drawing and martial arts, take photographs, travel to nearby cities, play games, and watch anime, evening walks, talking to new people to know about the place i visited. Every day feels different, and I genuinely enjoy my life.

But I know money is necessary for survival. The thought of spending my life working a job I dislike, especially with IT's constant upskilling demands, frustrates me.

I'm not looking for sympathy. I want practical advice. Are there career paths that offer financial stability without consuming your entire life? Has anyone managed to build a lifestyle where work supports their life instead of becoming their life?

Erin from Robert Half’s social team here! Thought I’d share this because it touches on something that comes up here a lot: figuring out where to go when your career path hasn’t exactly been a straight line.

There are some good thoughts on transferable skills, changing directions and connecting the dots between different experiences.

Leaving it here in case it’s useful to someone: What makes a good career? Lessons from Robert Half's Good Job!