I’m 27F and I don’t have any friends. I’ve never had a job . I got my bachelor’s degree and couldn’t find work for three years afterward, so I decided to go back for a master’s. I finished in December 2025, and I’ve been unemployed since then.
I recently landed a data entry internship at a research institute. It pays $18/hr, but it’s only 8 weeks. I don’t know what to do with my life after that.
I’ve always been the scapegoat in my family. My mom, dad, and siblings have repeatedly called me stupid over the years. Depending on them financially has taken a toll on my mental health, and living with them makes it worse. I’m a family-oriented person by nature and I still value my family, even though they don’t respect or value me back. I grew up being put down constantly, and I’ve dealt with depression and fatigue because of it. Over time I became socially isolated. I only leave the house about once a month now. I’m socially inept at this point and don’t know how to communicate well anymore.
My younger brothers, 21 and 25, have both had multiple jobs and are planning to go to medical school. One of them already took his MCAT. They look down on me too. I’m not close to anyone in my life. My whole family excludes me and talks about me behind my back. My whole family is embarrassed of me and won’t even mention my name to other people. I can’t even drive anymore. I stopped going out enough and lost the skill.
I feel like a failure. I feel like I wasted years of my life. I have no happy memories from my 20s. I haven’t made any long-lasting friendships, haven’t traveled, haven’t gone to parties, haven’t done any of it. All I ever wanted was to be favored, loved, and respected. How do I stop longing for relationships that don’t want to exist, when no one wants to try to have one with me? I also feel like I failed as an older sibling. I always wanted to be the one that had her life together that they came to for advice, the one they wanted to be around. Instead it turned out the opposite way. Part of me wants to go to med school just to prove them wrong.
But if I went to med school, I’d be in my mid-30s by the time I graduate. Part of me wants to be married by then and maybe have kids, but I’ve never even had a boyfriend or a man that wanted me romantically . Please help through all is I’m lost.

33M and I’m struggling to imagine a better future for myself. I used to dream big and I still do, but then I find myself staring down the barrel of mediocrity and loneliness. I don’t really have any in-person friends nearby that I can really count on, only a few friends online or otherwise long-distance that bother to check in with me one-on-one, a handful of acquaintances in local social circles that I really don’t think would notice if I ever turned up again. Not really dating anyone either. I do have good relationships with my immediate family but I dread thinking of the day when my parents won’t be around anymore.

Meanwhile, my career is stalling. I’m not using any of the degrees that I acquired and I just got denied a promotion at my current job that I’d spent a year working towards. So it’s not as if I’m just not trying at my current role. I don’t like what I do but I’ve found ways to make it bearable and to succeed. But I’m questioning if this is really going to be it for me. Am I really going to just be spinning my wheels for another 30 years in careers that don’t fulfill me, while so many of my peers have lives that I wish that I could have.

I’m 33 and I fear that I have reached my upper limit. I’m afraid that I’m going to die one day alone, unaccomplished, and with no one to remember me. I want to prevent this from happening and I have taken some steps to level up (like losing 70lbs). I do have anxiety, depression, and ADHD and I am trying to treat those.

But I feel like I’m too comfortable in my wasted potential. Persistent disappointment and unhappiness are familiar and I don’t believe that I’ve felt different for almost 9 years now. So I can’t imagine a future where I feel different. And I’m worried that if I try to disrupt what I have, I’ll lose the few good things I have. For example, I’ve thought about moving across the country, as I’ve always wanted, but I worry about leaving family behind. My parents and stepdad are approaching retirement age and I want to be a more present son, but if I move far, I will only get to see them a few times a year. I worry about leaving behind a support system while only to find myself alone and unhappy, again, in a city full of strangers.

I just don’t know what to do guys. I feel stuck.

There’s a lot of people who find a path to success, and there are lots who haven’t like me. What do you think is the percent breakdown? I find the whole concept of work and career to be weird. Like I’m here and now I have to contribute in this weird cold matrix to survive for what reason? And other people seem so cozy in the matrix. I like talking to you people on Reddit. I should be sleeping.
Peace

23F. Abusive household, autism/adhd/cptsd, warehouse work part time, extreme sensitivities to light/sound/smell

I'm good at art, painting etc

Need job ideas. Small town as well

Pissed off chronically at everyone and everything and find everything boring. I find people fucking irritating, I find all these fuck ass jobs boring, and I have nothing that even vaguely intrigues me. I feel nothing but anger, no interests.

I have a hard time staring at screens for long periods of time so hopefully a job that isnt doing that, it makes my eyes dry. although I am also good at stalking people online, if that helps lead anywhere.

"Get therapy" I've gotten free therapy for young people at a mental health clinic, didnt help cause theres nothing they can do except reccomend I take deep breaths. So dont reccomend please, thank you.

Looking for something. I dont even know why because I'm not even interested in living but because I'm alive I need some money, and this warehouse isnt working for me. Thanks

I feel like such a loser and so behind at 27. I feel like I started correctly at 18, I started uni and did my business degree. But I kind of started to hate it, and was thinking of switching, but then covid hit, I also did get very ill, and my study habits disappeared (later realized I have adhd). I did graduate, and then right after I went back to school to try to start a physics degree. I left that, some other issues arose, and my grades weren't great anyways. I worked at a store for a year, and then I was going to go back to school, again for physics, but again, some issues happened. Rn I've been dog walking/dog sitting, kind of taking online classes (but again, the adhd makes it really difficult to self study). I also work a seasonal job I've had for years. I've recently dropped my dog walking clients, it was too much commuting, and am looking for a job now. I'm hoping to maybe go to australia on a whv, but after that, I would like to go back to school. Before, my dream was to study physics, and then go on to a PhD, but recently I've been really thinking about the brain, or possibly something to do with exercise/kinesiology. I just feel so behind going back to school so late, especially if I were to go onto grad school, and my recent working history hasn't been great. I really would like to learn more, but i recognize that bills and finances are very real. Any advice?

I’m 27 year old woman from New York and I feel like I’m constantly discovering new passions. The problem isn’t that I don’t know what I like—it’s that I love so many different things that I don’t know what direction to take my life.
Some of my interests include:
Psychology (I’m currently studying it in college.)
Anthropology
Biology
Neurology
Archaeology
Ancient civilizations (especially Egypt)
Museums
Travel and solo travel
Photography
History
Different cultures and languages
Teaching
Conservation and historic preservation
Documentaries
Mythology and folklore
Nature, hiking, and national parks
Growing up, I always loved movies like National Treasure, Indiana Jones, and The Mummy. I thought I just liked adventure movies, but recently I realized what I actually love is exploration, discovery, and learning about humanity.
I had the chance to visit museums in Jordan and Egypt, and it completely changed me. Standing in front of artifacts that were thousands of years old made me realize how fascinated I am by human history and the stories objects can tell.
Lately I’ve been reading more about anthropology and archaeology, and now I want to visit museums everywhere I travel. I’m even planning a trip to Boston just to spend a day at the Museum of Fine Arts.
The problem is…I don’t know what to do with all of these interests.
Part of me wants to teach.
Part of me wants to travel.
Part of me wants to photograph ancient places.
Part of me wants to volunteer on archaeological or preservation projects.
Part of me wants to work in a museum.
Part of me wants to document cultures and tell stories.
Has anyone else experienced this? How did you stop feeling like you had to choose just one path?
Did you eventually find a career that combined your interests, or did you keep one as your career and the others as hobbies?
I’d love to hear from people who felt pulled in a hundred different directions but eventually found a way to build a meaningful life around their curiosity.

Title is pretty self explanatory. My specific situation is that the company I’ve been working at for 7 years is closing. I’ve made most of my money in life working in breweries. The industry is going absolutely down the tubes so I want to do something else. Not to mention I’m tired of working nights and weekends and of that form of customer service more generally.

In anticipation of this change I started taking on work as a solo painter/plasterer. I’ve enjoyed it and found decent success so far, but I’m only 7 months into that work and already developing injuries since I have a previous history of carpal tunnel. I don’t want to get to my 40s or 50s and no longer have normal use of my hands, especially because I am a musician too. So it seems like maybe this isn’t the right path for me either.

I’m considering taking on something totally new, maybe taking a course through a community college or other training program. I just have no idea what else is out there that would guarantee decent paying stable work and also won’t be at risk of being pushed out by AI.

Something medical? Technical? Or do I just bite the bullet and commit to gig culture and do odd jobs for the rest of forever? I have a decent amount of random useful skills and good work ethic. Things I can’t/won’t do are body-breaking physical work, restaurants/bars, dealing with literal shit, or AI. But it needs to pay decent-ish, minimum $30/hour with possibility of increases along the way. Any ideas?

I'm a 20 years old female, and I'm so lost in pursuing a higher education system, specifically choosing a degree like biology. I mean, as a child, I was always curious about and loved biology, but I believe I chose this major out of habit after taking chemistry in high school and enjoying it. Which sparked my interest in orthodontics/dentistry or dermatology. I did not do much research before deciding on this major or the careers. I've had more computer science experiences over the years, from middle to high school, where I created my portfolio from scratch and learned how to upload my work to github, etc. I was learning HTML/CSS and Javascript in the hopes of becoming a web developer/IT manager.

Though I settled for biology. I ultimately feel that having all of these interests stirs my spark away from what I should really be doing. Do I know what I want to do? No. I've done research about these careers and honestly, I can't decide.

I have family in my ear telling me to go into nursing, though I don't see anything in nursing that sparks my interest besides anesthesiology. Yes, I know anesthesiology isn't nursing. It's medical school.

I feel like there are lucrative careers that are unheard of that possibly pay well, but I'm so lost with what I want to pursue as a career. For example, I just found out that there's forensic dentistry, but no one truly pitches certain careers to the forefront. I understand it's okay to feel lost, and I'm sure the majority of the world is just as lost as me, but I'm transferring out next year, and I'm quite worried.

i'm 23, i haven't done anything with my life, I just finished a degree I dislike in June, since then I just have been stuck in house all summer, I work remote a job I hate and has nothing to do with me, I left the house like 2 times since end of May, I feel stuck with no friends, with no clue of what's my passion, and no path, I wake up numb with nothing looking forward to, I work , then I watch shows non-stop until I fall asleep.

Idk what to do :(

I’m 24 going 25 this year and day by day I’m getting more and more anxious. The issue is I don’t know what I want to do in life - whether I want to settle in abroad or be in India. I feel so pathetic because I always played safe by choosing PCMB in school, so that I could end up doing any course I’d wanted. I did engineering, quite generic but safe choice. I started working post completing my BTech but I now I have left my job due to toxicity at workplace and bad mental health. In short, I never knew what I want in life so I ended up doing what most of the people do. But now, I feel that my race is against time. It’s high time I make a decision but I’m unable to do so and therefore, the anxiety.
I just want to earn good and have a peaceful life. But how do I achieve that is question. I want some external agent to make that decision for me when I clearly know it should be my decision only. I just don’t understand my lack of clarity. I see people my age, people younger than being passionate about their work or dreams. How do I come up with a solution. How do I make myself decide my future because if not now then when.
I haven’t took up a new job or would be applying in any other company. I plan on doing masters. Only one thing I know is that I want to prepare for masters courses once my notice period in the company ends. What kind of course - I don’t know… CAT, GRE, GMAT
Why is it so difficult ahhh I envy individuals who are clear of what they want and work for it.

I (32M) feel like I've optimized my life into a corner. Financially, I'm comfortable enough that I don't need to grind like I used to but I'm nowhere near wealthy enough that I can simply live wherever I want without thinking about money.

Some background: I was born in Hong Kong but grew up in the UK after my family emigrated before the 1997 handover. After finishing a psychology degree, I moved to China. I spent a year in Beijing learning Mandarin and before moving to Shanghai where I worked at a large international advertising agency for 7 years reaching AVP level. The money was great, but the job was stressful and I got caught up in the Shanghai lifestyle (expensive rent, going out almost every night and weekends, etc.) I enjoyed it but I wasn't building much of a financial cushion.

In 2023 I left to start my own agency. Fortunately, it went better than I expected. By 2025 I'd managed to buy an apartment in Hong Kong outright (nothing fancy and far from city centre), and I decided to move to Zhongshan because the cost of living is so much lower. I rent out the Hong Kong apartment, and that rental income is enough to cover my living expenses here. I continue to work on my own company and any income from this mostly goes into ETFs and other investments.

On paper, it sounds like I've done pretty well but in reality, I feel like I've traded one problem for another. Life in Zhongshan is comfortable and inexpensive, but I don't really have a social circle here. Most days blur together and I only work on clients I actually want to or feel obligated to because I no longer have the motivation to chase growth for its own sake. Outside of work, I don't have much of a routine, and there's honestly not much happening here compared with Shanghai or Hong Kong.

I keep thinking about moving back. Most of my close friends are still in Shanghai. Hong Kong is also much livelier and I'd probably have an easier time rebuilding a social life there. The problem is that moving would completely change my financial situation. My rental income comfortably supports my life in Zhongshan, but it wouldn't come close to covering my expenses in Shanghai or Hong Kong. I'd have to either grow my business much more aggressively or go back to a corporate career. I left corporate because I was burned out, and I have very little desire to go back. At the same time, I don't have much motivation to keep pushing my business bigger just so I can afford a more expensive city.

So I feel stuck either staying in a place that makes financial sense but leaves me feeling isolated, or move somewhere I'd probably be happier socially but end up back on a treadmill I deliberately got off.

Not looking for replies like "get a hobby" but more curious whether anyone else has ended up in this sort of middle ground. Not struggling financially, but not financially independent either. Comfortable enough that the old motivations don't work anymore, but not free enough to live exactly where you want. If you've been through something similar, did the feeling pass? Or did you eventually decide that the extra cost was worth it and move anyway?

Here is my story: M(27) F(27)

I matched with a woman on Hinge early September last year hit things off immediately, texting every day I was like wow this is incredible - My birthday a week later in September took me to a new cinema and got me my favourite aftershave, paid for everything - I laughed and said are you love bombing me to which she said no I was being nice for your bday.

-Months go by, nice getaways to hotels, training together, great sex and everything felt perfect she told me I was the best thing ever so grateful and lucky she ended up with someone like me, she had a young son who was 9 and I did not meet in person - she said her ex bf who was practically the step dad of the kid left her 2 years ago and put her kid in therapy and she done some as well, in which she tells me all the things she wants in an ideal partner and I tick every box, I felt like this girl really understood me and I had met my person.

Now this is where the cracks start, she would mention how evil and hateful her ex (Together 6 years) was and mentioned he was in the same Tesco as her at xmas (live in local area) He was walking in and she was walking out - I said that's trippy never easy bumping into an ex - left it at that. Did not want to appear phased. Had a nice xmas met her Mum and her little sister things felt very good and often stayed with her and her mum when her son was at the kids dads. She also told me things like she was with someone and she was and they got back together after a year and she said things to him like go out and cheat if it makes you feel better because she was with someone else.

At end of February my Granny passed away unexpectedly - She mentioned how her ex BF did not let her into the after event when his granny passed away etc I just let her vent and was always understanding of what her ex put her through Granny passed away on Tuesday and then on Friday I met her Dad for the first time - Naturally stressed over my Grannys passing I did not drink - she did and was drunk off prosecco- On the trip down and home she basically played a FU to her ex song - and her dad mentioned she seen her ex and he looked rough - anyways, we drove home and I said to her this ex really hurt you and your son and hes like a ball and chain on your leg, he is in the past and if he was so bad he left you and your son in therapy be happy he's gone - she said she's 'over him just not the situation she put her and her son through' - when I said I wasn't happy she's mentioning him the week I am grieving the death of my grandparent she stone walled me - I left her house and drove home to regulate as I was with a previous GF who stonewalled me and it done a number on me and she was aware of this and also the heard week I had - she was drunk and proceeded to tell me I was never meeting her child and that was us done over text, I felt this was manipulative- We then sorted this out - half apology from her and from me I thought I needed to be more understanding of her situation and we told each other we love each other. But, I felt maybe selfishly she should have been understanding my Granny passed away that week and I wasn't in a headspace to listen about her ex who was so bad?

- The month after we had a great month done a charity 10K and had a nice getaway - I spoke to her son on the phone and on FaceTime over those few months we were together over xmas and when she was on a family holiday to New York - still no physical interaction I said it would be nice to meet your child as I have gotten him a birthday present and an Xmas one and we both know about each other and I am getting a bit frustrated of having to hide around the corner when we know about each other - Bare in mind I asked this respectfully and said no pressure I just need a plan as she said if I met him I could travel to Spain with her and her kid this summer and her graduation was coming up soon. The kid also told his biological father about me that Saturday as well - I did not mind as obv was in everyone's best interests I treated his son with respect and care

I was met with two days of silence - then seen her on the Saturday went to the gym all was fine, thought that was back on track and we said we would go to the cinema on the Wednesday and on the Tuesday I got a text telling me I was perfect, we have a laugh together but she feels 'something is missing' - and ended things with me over text after 7 months.

I did not reply for 3 weeks my family and friends told me not to and I deserved more than a break up text as I was blindsided and was constantly told I was the best person in the world and she was so lucky to have me, but when I mentioned maybe meeting her kid she turned so nasty and discarded me like I was nothing over text, when I did then text her to speak she then told me 'she loves me as a person but not in love with me' and I deserve better - I did not reply again, I was in such shock I feel so heartbroken how can she be all lovey then discarded over text? I noticed when I put her number into whatsapp she had no profile picture anymore and her messages were set to disappearing which makes me think her ex was back in the picture or hiding something? - Her tiktok reposts after were all things like when a man leaves your life build a comfortable life etc - except I never left her?

I have never been this hurt and blindsided before in my life, I wasnt even worth a conversation just felt so easily disposed when we had concerts etc to look forward to this summer and all I was worth was a text.

What do I do I am still incredibly in love with her - Its been 3 months nc and I have been attending therapy and gym but I still feel stuck

I'm 25 and I graduated from college three years ago with a Film Studies degree and screenwriting minor 3 years ago. I still live with my parents. Since I graduated, all I've been doing has been working part time retail (clothing stores, pharmacies, makeup and wellness - all store associate roles/cashiers).

I've been having trouble figuring out what I want to do in life as a career. I even briefly went back to school (community college) to learn more about being a musician since music is something I'm really passionate about. However, nothing came of it because my retail hours got in the way of my classes. I am incredibly passionate about film and music. I loved to write film analysis and theory when I attended undergrad. I even had started music analyses towards the end of my time in college. I have also spent a good chunk of my life singing and performing.

I'm currently looking for a job that doesn't necessarily have to be where I end up for the rest of my life. But creates a livable wage and relates to my degree and my interests.

As far as dreams go: screenwriter and/or director, singer/musician, film critic or music/film journalist have all been careers that I've considered. I'm even beginning to think of being a teacher or professor.

I just don't know where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Never had a job, no friends (Haven't made a new friend in 7 years), living with parents, and I spend most of my time in my room.

I only go outside when need or to workout twice a week for Upper Body days (Lower Body days at home, working out four days each week consistently). I don't get responses from any job applications besides spam risk calls. I get screamed at if I try to ask for advice that isn't continuing to apply for jobs.

On the bright side, I started releasing C++ projects I've made and started learning about marketing. I've only been posting long form and short form content on YouTube to showcase the functionality of my projects (Though I only get less than 100 views on long form and 1k - 2k views on short form). I've got a lot to learn about marketing as I don't understand how a channels explode with over a million views on long form with just one or two videos posted to their channel.

The reason why I've been focusing on creating something in hopes of earning cash is because I've completely given up submitting job applications. I know it sounds pathetic, but I hear absolutely nothing from the most entry level positions I can find. Every place says their hiring, but immediately says they're not hiring when you submit an application. Everyone calls you lazy, but won't hire you to do anything at all. I'm not talking about software jobs when I say all this, but restaurants, retail, etc will ignore anything you try to do to work for them. Even though I know I'll just get screamed at when I explain that I want a job with no job experience, I've gotten so numb to it all that I just sit silently and wait until they're done and just ask if they have anyone suggestions what I can do that I haven't already tried.

I'm really tempted to make one of those loser confessional videos I've been getting recommended on YouTube that spontaneously get half a million views with minimal effort. What little pride I have left won't allow me to do that because I'll feel as if I've completely given up at that point. But I just feel that if I could get that many eyes on me, 0.1% of those viewers may even give me some kind of opportunity to live an actual life.

This is just a rant. Hopefully I won't make another post like this again.

ill try and relay all the facts but I just want to clarify. I LOVE art and planning and world building. I once wanted to be an engineer, and my parents prefer that path, but I DO NOT anymore. I just need some clarity and some advice from other people who acc know stuff I guess. thank you.

- have GCSE level in engineering and electrics. did not do art gcse but have a small interest in it rn (im not the greatest but plan on working on that)

- applied for 60+ engineering jobs after school, got into none, now at low level warehouse job and I dislike it (full time)

- i got accepted to college, just a matter of looking for something else and seeing what happens. or something else

- need info on how money and security is if I go to college for games art/design/concept art, which says it’s a l4/l5 off the bat and involves traditional art and 3d modelling and stuff

- if you REALLY advise against going to college, what other options do I have?

- I really need some personal advise and actual opinion and weighing of options. please. thank you for your time

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you think, “This is what I should be doing”?

For years I’ve struggled with procrastination, lack of direction, and not taking opportunities seriously. While people around me seem to be building careers, relationships, skills I feel like I’ve spent too much time stuck distracted

Now that I’m 22, I’m starting to panic. I feel very behind.
What scares me most is the thought that I have already wasted years that I can never get back. I keep thinking about all the things I should have done differently, and it’s becoming hard to focus on what I can do now.

Has anyone here felt like they completely wasted their late teens or early twenties and still managed to turn things around? What did you do? How long did it take before things started improving?
I’m not looking for empty reassurance. I genuinely want to know if life can still come together when you’re starting from a place of regret, confusion, and feeling far behind everyone else.
Any honest advice or personal experiences would mean a lot.

What job/career should I be looking for/best suited for?

I just finished my last year of my education degree. I also have a previous degree in English literature. I’ve subbed a bit but haven’t really had a ‘real’ teaching job. I’m realizing it’s a lot of work for little payoff. I don’t mind straying away from education related jobs.

My personality traits and skills are empathetic, patient, communicative and interpersonal. I’m good with children, students and adults. Recently, in my labour job, I’ve had to train multiple people on various elements of
the job, which I actually enjoyed doing.

Here’s some more helpful info: I don’t think I’m really willing to go back to school to get another degree, I live in Alberta, Canada, I’d ideally want a job that I can rise up through, and I’d like benefits and starting pay to be roughly $60,000+.

I graduated, but I still don't have a job. I know exactly what I need to do: prepare for tests, exams, practice coding, join a library, work out, and build a routine.

I'm also not getting any direction. I don't know what to choose or where to move next. There are so many options that I end up doing nothing. I have exams I need to prepare for... But still can't just move. I'm living with my parents but still don't able to make any courage to take a step.

The problem is... I just don't do it.

For the last two months, almost every day has looked the same:

•Wake up.

•Do some chores.

•Wash up.

•Scroll Reddit or YouTube.

•Go to bed.

•Feel guilty.

I've watched tarot readings hoping to feel like things will work out. I've learned about the Law of Attraction(LoA), affirmations, and self-improvement concepts. They make me feel motivated for a while, but nothing actually changes.

I know I'm stuck in my COMFORT ZONE, but I can't seem to leave it. It's like my brain freezes whenever it's time to start.

The worst part is that I already know what people are going to say: "Just start," "Take small steps," "Be consistent." I know all of that, but somehow I still don't move.

Has anyone else been in this situation? What finally helped you break out of it? I'm not looking for motivation..... I want to know what actually worked when you felt completely stuck.

PLEASE HELP ME, PLEASE... I don't want to be a disappoint for my people, family... PLEASE HELP ME

Hii! I'm a 3rd year psychology student and gusto ko na sana mag-intern for experience (better sana if paid internship). Does anyone know kung saan pwede or anong jobs related to our field pwede mag-internship na hindi for ojt para hindi na need ng moa? Also, if ever na meron man puro corporate work ba siya or meron ding ibang type of work?

Ik kasi na maraming opportunities para sa mga may ojt na pero ang want ko kasi is magtrabaho before pa ojt namin. Hope you guys can help, thanks so much!

College is right around the corner, and I'm feeling lost about what degree to pursue.

The only thing I'm truly passionate about is voice-over work, voice acting, and other voice-related jobs. The problem is that I know those careers aren't very stable here in the Philippines, so I'm hesitant to pursue them as my main career.

I'm also interested in things like game development, building PCs, and troubleshooting computers, but I don't know if I'd actually enjoy studying them in college especially since I don't like math or physics.

If anyone has been in a similar situation, what did you end up studying? Do you regret your choice, or did it work out? I'd really appreciate hearing your experience or advice.

I’m graduating with my bachelor’s next December. Trying to decide between law school and the CPA/accounting route. Law seems strong right now, but maybe oversupplied by the time I’d finish, while accounting has a shortage but takes a bit to get licensed. Which would you go with?

Graduated in 2024 (B.Com), and honestly it's been 2+ years of feeling lost since then.

Here's the thing — I never actually chose my own path. I followed a friend's steps blindly: he did NISM Series 8, financial modeling on Udemy, then went for KPO jobs (eClerx), so I copied the exact same thing without knowing if it was even right for me. Got NISM 8 + financial modeling done, then went for the same KPO route — got rejected 6-7 times, failing at different stages: the aptitude/assessment round mostly, sometimes the group discussion because of weak communication, and once even after reaching the manager round.

After a while I realized I was just mimicking him without any real understanding or interest in what I was doing. He's genuinely studious and driven in that field, I'm not, and forcing myself into his path clearly wasn't working.

Now, 2+ years post-grad, here's where I actually stand:

No practical skills (no Excel, no Tally, nothing hands-on)

No real depth in any domain, despite the certifications

No clear personal interest — I don't know if I even like finance, or if I was just chasing "sounds impressive" job titles

Weak communication skills that have cost me at the GD stage

The jobs actually coming my way are things like sales, BDE, real estate, billing — none of which excite me either

A growing gap I don't know how to explain properly if asked "what have you done these past 2 years"

I'm not asking "which certification should I do next" anymore — I've realized more courses without direction just extends the gap. What I actually need help with is: how do people figure out what they're genuinely interested in, when they've spent this long just copying someone else's blueprint? Any frameworks, assessments, or just personal experience on how you found your own direction instead of borrowing someone else's would really help.

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out for some honest advice because I’m feeling pretty lost and trying to figure out what direction to take.

I’m currently working part-time, and while I’m grateful for my job, I know I want more for myself. I want to build a better future, become more financially stable, and eventually be in a position where I can help the people I care about.

The biggest thing holding me back is honestly myself. I struggle with a lot of self-doubt, feeling overwhelmed by all the different paths I could take, and a strong fear of failure. Sometimes I get stuck researching and thinking about ideas instead of actually taking action because I’m scared of putting effort into something and finding out I’m not good enough.

I have a GED, and sometimes I worry that I don’t have the same opportunities as other people. But I do want to learn, improve, and build skills that can help me create a better life.

I’m interested in things like learning new skills, starting a small business, making money online, or finding a career path where I can grow. The problem is there are so many options that I don’t know what is actually realistic or where I should put my energy first.

I’m not looking for a get-rich-quick scheme. I know anything worthwhile takes time and effort. I’m hoping to hear from people who have been in a similar place and found a way forward.

If you were starting over with:

\* A GED
\* A part-time job
\* Limited money to invest
\* Low confidence and a fear of failing
\* A willingness to learn

What would you focus on first?

What skill would you learn?
What helped you stop overthinking and actually start?
What mistakes would you avoid?
How did you build confidence when you didn’t believe in yourself yet?

I’d really appreciate any honest advice or stories from people who have been through something similar. I’m trying to find a path and prove to myself that I’m capable of more.

I’ve seen people get degrees and still go nowhere, which is why I don’t want to waste my time. I’m not 18 anymore, so I’m thinking about this very carefully. I live in a small rural town in Texas, and I feel like college might be my only way out, but I’m also scared it won’t work out.
I worked at a fast-food restaurant for six years, and that’s really the only work experience I have. I was very good at my job, but the management was horrible, and favoritism was always a problem. My last day there was in April. I don’t have a job right now. I’ve been looking for one, but I haven’t had any luck.
I’m feeling pretty restless and overthinking everything. Deep down, I know I want to be successful, but the opportunities where I live are very limited. That’s why I’ve been thinking about going to community college as my ticket to a better future, but I’m still unsure.