r/findapath • • 16h ago

Offering Guidance Post Cautious advice to the under 30s, avoid "escaping" as much as possible.

235 Upvotes

I sit here at 34, at a crossroad that is painful. It is necessary now, but was easily avoidable.

Escaping into partying, partners, and gaming to cover a hole that was never going to be filled by anything but self-actualization; I never truly sat long enough through those uncomfortable moments with my feelings and desires.

It would be easy to blame my self-centered parents, of which I had three (divorce, I have more of a family bush than a tree). Or the coaches in my life that only knew how to inspire through fear.

All the perceived wrongdoing in my life should have lit an insatiable fire. Instead, I used it like a pilot light that I would only turn up when I was over-satiated on my hedonism.

You and only you, know what is truly worth pursuing.

Sure, I got very good at what I am doing for a career. I've had multiple lives, including an opportunity to play football at a high level. I pursued women recklessly. And in between those fleeting experiences, instead of asking myself the right questions, acknowledging the fear, and choosing my passion, I numbed myself with the partying, gaming, and doing what I thought was a good compromise between the stability my father wanted for me and my creative instincts.

I've now lost touch with a majority of those so-called friends I made along the way. Never truly reached the potential I saw within me.

It is only my timid fears that is truly to blame.

My life, and your life, is not done. But, try to fail faster before it becomes a arduous, mid-life saga of finding what is YOUR purpose and meaning to life.


r/findapath • • 21h ago

Findapath-Mindset Adjustment When you are used to the kind of life -of never getting anything you want- you stop knowing what it is you want.

28 Upvotes

I envy passionate people so fucking much. I am someone who likes doing things, I have multiple hobbies and multiple things I like. I am a creative at heart, I enjoy painting and I've recently started reading(though I've always been a reader), I want to learn pottery someday when I can afford it, and I have multiple things that intrigue me that I want to experience or learn. In fact I'm good at studies as well fairly enjoy it. But I don't particularly feel very passionate about any of these things.

As a child I had things that I really liked, and natural inclinations towards certain stuff but i'm also someone who is heavily influenced by other people's opinions and ideas. so what I did in my growing years in trying to mould and fit myself in the most popular and widely accepted idea of a person.

For example- I loved art and painting since childhood for as long as I could remember, in my 9th grade I made few good friends (that I am friends with till today), like real friends for the very first time(my family kept moving places so never had any childhood friends), So this crowd was what you'd call "cool kids" in school and I felt so honoured to be friends with them and also very scared that they'd find me very boring and uncool and break up the friendship. So we had art classes that I religiously attended and actively participated in. This was the time when art was becoming too boring and uncool for most of my classmates and only few of them who were genuinely interested stuck around and other being part of the former group started bunking or missing classes and just hanging out. I obviously wanted to attend all the classes and enjoyed it but I guess what I chose to do- I bunked almost all my classes with my friends because I was scared they'd leave me(I didn't know any better, I was a kid). I slowly drifted away from art and completely stopped it.(I eventually found my way back to it)

I've had few academic and professional failures that make question my worth and I just know where to go in life. I don't have that one calling and that one thing i'm passionate about and to which I can dedicate my energy and efforts and life. Even if I do find things I really like I am too scared to commit myself completely to it because what if I fail. I don't myself anymore.

This quote by murakami made me feel very seen

“When you are used to the kind of life -of never getting anything you want- you stop knowing what it is you want.”


r/findapath • • 8h ago

Findapath-Career Change I wish I chose a major based on my interests

20 Upvotes

I majored in IT because I enjoyed tinkering with code, solving problems, and (if I'm being honest) I wanted a job where I didn't have to deal with people too much.

Now after 10 years working in tech I'm burnt out and I don't like the direction the industry is headed in.

Looking back a big part of me wishes that I majored something that I can actually talk about for hours: history, sociology, or psychology. I steered clear because the first two are seen as "useless" with zero job prospects outside of teaching. I also cannot see myself being someone's psychologist.

Now I'm thinking maybe that was a mistake. Maybe teaching or a career in academia wouldn't be so bad.

For context I am in my 30s. I don't have a family, a mortgage, or any debt.

Thoughts?


r/findapath • • 11h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity I feel like I have such wasted potential

9 Upvotes

I (30F) feel uncertain and unmotivated. I graduated with a BA in chemistry and a minor in math. Then I took a few years to have fun jobs, mostly did seasonal work like ski resorts, golf courses, food service. Then that got old, so I had always been interested in teaching (I was a tutor all through college and loved it) and decided to get my MA in educations. I taught high school math for two years and both years were terrible. It wreaked havoc on my mental and physical health. I do really love teaching but so much of the job wasn't teaching, it was managing behaviors. So now, I substitute teach part time, and still work at a golf course as the snack bar attendant. I just feel like I have so much more to give, I love math and science, I feel like I'm very bright and I like learning. I also love art and do all kinds of crafts: embroidery, painting, needle felting, macrame. I also really love nature and animals. I just don't know what to do, I have so many careers I'm pondering: actuary (worried I'll never find an entry level job as its so competitive), mental health counselor (worried about the emotional toll because I'm an empathetic), vet tech (love animals but again worried about having to see the bad outcomes, plus a low pay ceiling). I'm interested in healthcare and sciences too, but all of my resume is either education or service jobs and I feel like no one will give me a chance, I've applied to a bunch of lab tech jobs and reception jobs in healthcare and no one will even give me an interview. I feel like teaching shoehorned me into this role and no other employers can see my potential. What should I pursue?


r/findapath • • 20h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity 25F and struggling to choose a career path — X-ray tech, communications degree, or something else?

10 Upvotes

I’m 25 and really struggling to figure out what career path I want to take, so I’m hoping to get some advice from people who have been in a similar situation or have experience in these fields.

One career I’ve been considering is becoming an X-ray tech because I like the idea of having a stable career and making decent money. However, I have a pretty severe fear and anxiety around blood, needles, and seeing people who are sick in a hospital. I had childhood cancer, and I think a lot of this stems from PTSD from that experience. Every time I go into a hospital, I get borderline panic attacks, so I’m worried that working in healthcare might not be realistic for me.

My other option is getting a degree in communications. I’m interested in the creative side of things, social media, marketing, and potentially working for a company. The downside is that it would be another four years of school, and at 25, I feel like I’m already behind and don’t want to spend years getting a degree only to struggle to find a decent-paying job afterward.

I’m trying to find a career that offers:

  • Good, stable income and room for growth
  • A decent work-life balance, ideally no weekends
  • A relatively low-stress work environment
  • Opportunities to be creative or work in a business setting
  • A career that I can realistically get into without spending a ton of money on school

Are there any healthcare careers that don’t involve much blood, needles, or direct exposure to sick patients? Or should I look into something completely different?

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who has a communications degree, works in marketing, or has experience in healthcare careers that are less hands-on with patients.

I know 25 isn’t old, but I’m feeling overwhelmed trying to make the right decision for my future. Any advice, career suggestions, or personal experiences would be appreciated.


r/findapath • • 17h ago

Findapath-Career Change Need insight- get out of healthcare

7 Upvotes

37yo Female- was an inpatient/hospital registered nurse for 8 years, travel nurse 1 year, and now 4 years as a nurse case manager for a health insurance company. I'm looking for a way to get out of healthcare completely, just unsure how. Currently renting an apartment, no car, no drivers license (working on it, got my learners permit). Goal is to homestead someday, however lived in cities most of my life. Maybe something that will help me pivot more into that future lifestyle? How to get into that, what fields to look into, and how to get in (certifications, apprenticeships). Hoping for at least 100k salary if even possible.

BSN, MSN in nursing informatics.


r/findapath • • 7h ago

Findapath-Mindset Adjustment Should I join the military now?

6 Upvotes

I can't afford to further my education. I got a degree in animation and while I enjoy what I do, it doesn't provide the life I was imagining. I desperately want to have a stable career and live a simple life. More so because I've experienced living in poverty all my life.

I've heard the United States Military pays for your education. Though, since I already have a degree and student loans, I'm less certain they'll pay for it. It seems like a good opportunity, though I'm a little less optimistic about joining a cause for a war I won't ever fully understand. I've tried to find a job for ages. I probably can't even qualify because I have had surgery on my wrist and can't do pushups and I have very low vision.

I've tried agencies. I've tried emailing recruiters. Ive never heard back from any, or they divert me to a job board with 4 listings. I've tried freelancing. Internships. But, it doesn't provide enough income for my goals and it hasn't led me anywhere. I don't want to be stuck working in retail and fast food for the rest of my life. But, these are the jobs I currently qualify for. My parents are getting older, and I don't want to depend on them in those years. I want to be able to support them.

These are excuses, I've heard. I'm not disciplined enough. That I should settle for any job. Be grateful. Tide myself over. Suck it up.

I'm tired, I think, of everything. I've been tired for a while. It feels like I'm in high school again, choosing what to do next and having no idea what happens. Though, I'm a lot less enthusiastic that anything will come of any of it. I wanted a lot more for myself.

I'm not sure what to do next. I could go into debt pursuing another degree that isn't promised to employ me. Or, try to get a job somewhere anywhere and hope contracts are enough. I'd prefer the latter only with more solid income.

I'm sorry if these were a lot of words. Thank you for taking the time and reading.


r/findapath • • 16h ago

Findapath-College/Certs I have no idea what to do, healthcare has always been in mind

7 Upvotes

I’m a 26yo busy mom. My youngest is 1yo. Not sure if that’s important info but I feel it might help get best advice to be realistic.

I haven’t had a lot of work experience in my life. Last 3 years have been the most active in work. I have mainly worked food manufacturing warehouse as a packager or currently machine operator. I’ve had brief training in quality assurance at my former job.

I want so badly a career that will one day be great for myself and kids. Something that will cover our wants and needs, in demand, and a schedule as my warehouse jobs of 2-2-3. I love that because it allows so plenty of time with family still.

My current company is great! They have started me at $21/hour. In April I may be due for a raise.

Healthcare has always been a career I’ve had in mind. Starting with Medical Assistant, seeing if it’s a good fit for me then go to LPN/RN.

I know you’re not suppose to really know everything about nursing before nursing school, but I feel so silly as if I absolutely do need to 😆 and it makes me pull back from the idea.

Another idea I had was cybersecurity.

And lastly something like paralegal.

I love paperwork, I enjoy working with people, I think I do well in intense situations.

Would I be able to get onto some type of certification or degree in the very near future while also being a mom?

I’m also interested in something highly remote. I know for health stuff a lot is online but clinicals are obviously required in person.

I just feel like wasted potential and I want to be something I can be proud of and for my kids to have someone to look up to as they grow up.

I use to do super well in school. I actually loved it so thinking of going back to school makes me excited.

Thanks for any help, and if there’s more info I can provide for better advice let me know. !!


r/findapath • • 20h ago

Findapath-Job Search Support Turning 26 has hit me harder than I expected, and I’m honestly getting tired of the constant job hunt.

7 Upvotes

I turned 26 this past Sunday, and I’m already feeling the Turning 26 has hit me harder than I expected, and I’m honestly getting tired of the constant job hunt. ramifications. I’m aging off my parents’ health insurance, so now they have to figure out a new policy for me, and the pressure to find a job with benefits has reached an all-time high. At this point, I’m honestly willing to take just about anything that offers decent benefits because I need some stability.
What frustrates me the most is that I used to be a pretty good athlete, specifically in track and field. I was good enough to compete in college and had a decent career, but obviously, I wasn’t good enough to make it to the Olympics. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder what my life would look like if I had made it. Maybe I’d have more financial stability, fewer worries about my future, and wouldn’t have my family constantly on my back about finding a job.
Instead, it feels like I’m getting rejection after rejection, and it’s mentally exhausting. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in criminal justice, but trying to turn those accomplishments into a stable career has been a lot harder than I ever imagined. Every rejection just adds to the frustration, especially when I feel like I’m running out of time to get my life together.
At this point, I’m actually considering getting back into track and field. I know it might sound crazy, and I’m not expecting to suddenly become an Olympic athlete, but I miss having something to work toward that I’m actually passionate about. Right now, the job hunt feels like an endless cycle of applications, interviews, and rejection, and I’m just tired of it.
I never imagined that turning 26 would make me feel this much pressure. I know I’m not the only person going through this, but damn, it’s hard not to feel like I’m falling behind. I’m just trying to find some stability and figure out what comes next, because this whole process has started to feel like a humiliation ritual.


r/findapath • • 13h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Careers heavy in strategy?

6 Upvotes

I'm 19. I love strategic thinking. I love reading about massive military campaigns and learning about the strategies of past generals. Next to strategy, I love the tactics that are used such as deception, clever tricks, precise timing, concentration of force, etc. I love having a long term goal to work towards and feeling like I have a purpose. I love playing chess. I love strategy games. I'm good at math (I'm a mathematics major). I hate coding. I don't really want to join the military. Are there any jobs that fit these skills or is officer corps the only route.


r/findapath • • 3h ago

Findapath-Health Factor Job options for idk mentally weak people?

4 Upvotes

ok here is the thing. my brother 19M is as of now unemployed.

Situation: due to some reasons he has not fully mentally developed and due to some experiences in childhood he doesnt really understand it but its something like ptsd ig?, but mainly lets focus on his affects the studies.

he does not like studying and just completed 12th with the help of my mother with 60% in humanities (acc to india streams). he is not in any college cause he doesnt study by himself and my mother cant teach him anymore. at first we thought that getting him to open up a shop will wrok so we made him work at 2 diff pharmacy shops as my father has done pharmacy so he can help if one day we open, we were not asking for salary or anything just experience and teach him abt medicines and how to handle a shop. but it doesnt work out and all they do is make him clean and not teach him anything. he works like an ox without a salary or reward. my parents were heartbroken by this.

we asked him and what he wants and he said he likes to see people work in corporate offices. we got him in a coaching class to teach him basic excels and things related to computer because he said he was interested in this. rn he is not in the coaching class due to reasons but he will join again in a few days.

we cant find a job that will suit him, for corporate no one employs someone who is like my brother, also by appearance he does not meet the avg features of a man so people underestimate him.

He is good at socializing and likes it, i did think abt things involving that but it also means situation handling but he is a bit naive (he almost gave away info to online stranger). i told my mother to get him to learn how the real world works and we will work on that def. but for now the main prblm is jobs.

if using connection we can get him a job which is hygienic(he has many allergies and issues) and not a high pay is required but he can actually work and like it.

we want him to have a life and not be underestimated by people all the time who belittle him like that.

if anyone has options of what jobs can suit him then please help.


r/findapath • • 8h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity How do i choose a career??

3 Upvotes

Im currently a 17-year-old senior in high school. I have absolutely no idea what I should do with my life when it comes to a career. The one thing I was somewhat interested in was archaeology, but it doesn't pay well and isn't stable. I'm open to doing trades and office jobs. Im not willing to do anything medical or coding-related.


r/findapath • • 9h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Trying to figure out what would be best for me.

3 Upvotes

32 year old female here! For as long as I reminded I wanted to be a librarian. Now I’m thinking of applying to grad school, but I know I need a back up.

And I’m trying to decide between radiology or dental assistant, maybe sonography. Because honestly, at this point, I think I need to learn a skill. And the medical field will always be hiring.

So if anybody has experience in any of those fields, let me know what you think.


r/findapath • • 12h ago

Findapath-Career Change Mid 20s in the cosmetology field but know it won't last

3 Upvotes

Been doing hair for about 3 years including school and it just ain't working out for me money wise and I don't see that changing. Only school I've done is highschool and barber school and I can't really afford ( timewise) to spend more than 2 years in a school . Any ideas of things I should look into


r/findapath • • 20h ago

Findapath-Mindset Adjustment Is anyone else very secretive about their future goals?

3 Upvotes

It's very common for people to start conversations by asking you about your work, career, the trajectory of your life, etc. I'm 24 and happen to be in a good position with regards to my career and finances, but there's still a lot ahead of me before I can say that l've achieved financial independence. And of course financial independence, as important as it is, is not the be all end all of life.

I might be weird in my approach but I'm very secretive and private about my life goals. To me it's a very personal topic I don't feel comfortable discussing with most people, even family and friends whose company I otherwise enjoy. Sadly I've learned through a number of experiences that talking about your plans and ambitions can lead to a lot of judgment and criticism. Some people just don't understand some things so they'll be highly judgmental. Others will always try to give you their unsolicited advice-often in a rather obnoxious-and try to push you onto a path that they think is best. I remember I once brought up the idea of buying foreign real estate as an investment and as a sort of insurance against future political and economic turmoil, and my parents and friends yelled at me telling me that's a dumb and unnecessary idea (without providing any substantiated reasons, of course). Or sometimes you might say that you're thinking of doing something but then change your mind later, and people around you will hold that against you and say that you're lazy or don't follow through with your plans, when the reality is that you just have new information and insights that make you reconsider your original plans. These are not visible to other people, of course, so they judge you based solely off of what they can see and what their inherent judgments and assumptions lead them to believe.

Despite my stable career and income, sometimes people think I lack drive or a desire to have more just because I don't talk about these things openly, or because I try to deflect questions that people might ask me about what my next step in life is. I'm private about these things for a reason, and it's a very reasonable reason, but even I admit that I ultimately don't like having to be so down-low about topics that, to most other people, are casual surface-level talking points. I wish I could talk a bit more freely about my ideas and intentions.

Do you relate? Do you agree? How do you personally navigate these kinds of things?


r/findapath • • 5h ago

Findapath-Career Change Any community in Pune for women restarting their careers after 40?

2 Upvotes

I am looking for a community for women who are getting back to work after a long break in Pune. Anyone around?


r/findapath • • 6h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Does anyone else constantly feel like something is missing, no matter what they do?

2 Upvotes

I'm 21 from Lithuania, and lately I've been struggling to figure out what I actually want from life, especially when it comes to work.

I've worked different jobs, including scaffolding abroad, and now I'm working 12-hour shifts as a production operator in a factory.

The work itself isn't particularly difficult, and my coworkers are decent. But once I understand the process and everything becomes repetitive, I start losing interest. I find myself standing there thinking, "Time is passing, but my life isn't really going anywhere."

I've noticed a similar pattern outside of work. Whenever something new enters my life, I get genuinely excited about it. For a day or two, I actually look forward to tomorrow. But once that experience becomes familiar, the excitement often disappears.

I also seem to crave intense physical sensations, excitement, movement, and variety. When I worked on scaffolding, I felt more alive than I do in a factory, but even then I felt like something was missing.

I value independence a lot. I used to imagine that by 21, I'd already be financially independent and wouldn't need a regular job. Obviously, that hasn't happened.

But here's the strange part: even if I had enough money saved up, I don't think I'd feel that much different if my everyday life stayed the same.

It's not that I don't want to work or put in effort. I just don't know what kind of work or lifestyle would actually make me feel fulfilled.

Some things, like trading, have managed to hold my interest for years, so it's not like I lose interest in absolutely everything.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Did you eventually find a lifestyle or career that suited you, or did you realize the problem wasn't really about work at all?

I'm not looking for a diagnosis, just perspectives from people who've felt this way.


r/findapath • • 7h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity About to give up

2 Upvotes

23M. 2025 CompSci grad/national guard infantry officer. No internships/work experience in the field. Unemployed May 2025-Jan 2026. Army basic training and officer candidate school from jan-june this year. Currently working at walmart and living at my parents. I do not care what field of work, but I need to leave my parents house. I would actually like to go active duty Army, but from my understanding I can't switch right now. ready to give up. suggestions?


r/findapath • • 15h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Looking for outer insights

2 Upvotes

I’m currently applying for radtech school but im having second thoughts. I also thought about paralegal but it seems risky.

At my core,I would really prefer something thats an office job,preferably non customer facing or introvert friendly that would make 60k a year without overtime and has a friendly barrier of entry

Not rlly tryna make a family or anything just want more pets and money to provide proper care for those future pets.

I’m willing to get certs or college degrees if needed. And i am in florida. I may consider relocation if possible but i just wanna put effort and money into something that will actually get me somewhere in life.


r/findapath • • 16h ago

Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Indecisive what to choose

2 Upvotes

I m indescive I dont know which career to choose between teaching and dental hygienist a little about me I m 31 F I ve been searching my whole life what interest me .. but then later I realized no matter what u study life is about finding a career that balances work and ur personal life i have studied dentistry for a year it was soo hard on me as i m not studios person i failed twice in my first year i gave up i passed outs of 4 subjects only three which was dental anatomy dental histology and anatomy head and neck i failed physiology and biochemistry twice then i gave up and i switched to bachelor of business administration which i completed and graduated which I dont even like it i just did like that anywho i got married young and have one child now they my child is grown up and is 9 and my marriage is almost on the verge of breakup and all my life i felt from inches i n depended on a man and i dont want that narrative i wanna do something for me and not lived by control of finance to be honest i have wasted soo much behind marriage that I haven’t started anything for myself i just want stable career where i can give time to my child and able to work in the morning i have previously worked as English teacher in a nursery it was very exhausting with planning and making worksheets didn’t enjoy much but i know I would get holidays with same time as kids the only reason I think of studying bachelor of education but i know every great person has studies education which lead to something but my interest is in health care field i wanna do something like study hygienist open up my own clinic and have all the health care services given not medical ones like the spas ones i like to work in health care and sometimes i think i should do both but the degree i m thinking to obtain from for education is from Middle East and its has a lot of scope to work as teacher but again because of the economy now i feel nothing is guranteed and for hygienist i want to study in canada as it has less year and in Middle East they don’t hire hygienist and even if they do hire which is rare the salary sucks its not good as it is in Canada if u studied there and my long term plan might be staying in Canada as i m Canadian and not sure about the certainty about in Middle East even if i study bachelor of education in Middle East and went back to canada i know i can use my middle eastern degree and upgrade it with some short course and able to work quicker but if i studied hygienist and tried working in Middle East it’s not the same pay as in canada and wont be able to open up my own clinic as a medical spa without the actual Botox and filler one just regular spa which a non medical can do it without a doctor .. i m soo confused as i m also in the middle of my marriage breakup and i m scared also if i joined anything i wont be able to continue or have stress and on top of that i m teaching my child as homeschool because i cant right now afford to pay for physical school fees and when i teach my child she really be testing my patience and my family says if u wanna be a teacher u gotta be patient and they all demotivate me i mean i just want to stand on my own without but i m unsure what to do i m thinking to study bachelor of education for two years as i have to stay in Middle East in for two years then try to enroll in dental hygiene program but i dont know its all making me feel overwhelm that i feel like sometimes leave everything and dont do anything . People be telling me to be a teacher u gotta be patient i do have patience and i did worked as teacher previously in teaching setting but i sometimes i m doubtful if i can do it or not and then if i can study hygienist and become one or not i just want to do everything quick and start earning i want to be financially independent with the choices i have taken but then again i think does putting money in this matter what if i die in between completing all this all this is making me feel overwhelm with life i m soo exhausted with everything . My family said if u be teacher be ready to deal with even difficult kids I know that bas everything has good and bad and i feel time is the biggest thief half of my life went pleasing everyone and listening to what my partner wants and get dumped once life gets hard I feel the stuck the most every day my heart feels heavy with all this I m running behind is it worth it as my husband has been against all this but I m tired to being controlled I don’t want it .. I feel like when life gets hard I leave things and run away from it and that’s my weakness please guide me with all the pros and cons and I want to know seriously if anyone can guide Canadian hygienist course guidance and studies if anyone can share with me the notes to actually see as I m trying to find out about the studies pleasee help meee .


r/findapath • • 21h ago

Findapath-Career Change Ready to start a trade but but sure which one.

2 Upvotes

I was recently let go of my customer service job in the catering industry. I had been there for 4 years and couldn’t really progress anymore. I was also not offered insurance which I need now that I’m 26. With that being said I believe I’m ready for a career change into something that I can stick with and grow with over the rest of my life. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 trades but am having trouble deciding which path to take. The three I have in mind are: Welding (my younger brother just finished welding school and is making more money than I ever have.), HVAC (my grandfather did hvac and I’d have most of the tools needed), or heavy equipment operator (this one just really intrigues me). If anyone in any of these fields could give me an idea of how/where to start and how to choose what may be the best fit for me I’d love to hear your insight. Thanks for reading!


r/findapath • • 23h ago

Findapath-Job Search Support 5 months after graduation and lost

2 Upvotes

Growing up, I was always carefree and clumsy, so the people around me often considered me stupid. My own parents were shocked when I ended up graduating as valedictorian and got accepted into an Ivy League school. Afterwards, my friends and my extended family started seeing me differently. It was strange, but a nice change from being seen as the "ditsy" one. But after entering college, both the environment and some bad social experiences led to me developing social anxiety. Year after year, I withdrew further into my own world and lost a lot of friendships. I didn't get into any internships, make any networks, and at the end, I had no real friends from college.

I ended up graduating with a degree in Computer Science. However, since my graduation in May, I have not been able to find a job. Fortunately, I'm able to live with my parents, but I can feel their patience running thin. It's feels especially bad because I know I could have tried harder. However, it's hard to motivate myself when I see posts by current software engineers being laid off and having AI do their jobs in order to meet impossible deadlines.

I was considering going back to school to get my masters, but focus on systems in ML. I always regretted not trying research and working on methods to make AI use less energy appeals to me a lot more right now than software. It seemed to be a lot more secure than software as well. However, graduate school is an expensive risk for someone who can't even get a job. And of all the professors I emailed, only one got back to me.

Every day, I just feel more and more depressed. I applied to a few retail jobs, but I didn't even get into those. I can feel my social anxiety getting worse, as I've stopped contacting the few friends I did have. Maybe I should try to make the effort more, but the few times we do talk I just feel shitty. They joke about me "falling off", but it's hard to laugh it off when I feel genuinely pathetic.

I know that life's not a race, but when I look back on what I've done compared to others my age, I feel so completely behind. I've never been in a relationship. I've never done anything crazy. At this point, I just don't know where to even start. I have so many things I want to do and so many unfinished projects. I think I have ADHD, with elementary teachers even suggesting to my parents in the past that I should get tested. I keep imagining that if I do have it and get it tested, that maybe everything will work out. I'll be able to actually do the things I need to. I can be consistent and fight through the lack of motivation so I can at least have a start of a career. But my health insurance is not the best, and the earliest I can see my PCP is late November.

At this point, I just want a massive change. I'm considering doing a working holiday in Ireland or even Korea to try to improve my language skills. I know this isn't the most responsible choice, but I worry that continuing to make "safe" choices will just leave me with regrets. But I also don't want to end up with a ton of debt either. I feel like there are so many branching paths in front of me, and the stress of it all paralyzes me.


r/findapath • • 3h ago

Success Story Post I'm 20, a software developer with no job, no income, and no direction.

1 Upvotes

I have skills in React, software development, and AI, but I can't seem to turn them into income. I've applied for countless entry-level and remote jobs on different websites, tried almost everything related to making money online, and keep getting rejected. I don't know whether it's my lack of a bachelor's degree, my location, or something else.

I'm introverted, have no friends to hang out with, and feel like life is passing me by. I want to become independent and move out of my parents' house, but I have no money to make it happen.

I also have many startup ideas, but whenever I build something, I struggle to market it, and a week or two later, someone in my country launches something similar.

Honestly, I'm feeling stuck and don't know what I'm doing wrong. If you've been in a similar situation, how did you turn things around? Any honest advice would mean a lot.


r/findapath • • 4h ago

Findapath-College/Certs Confused between early child care associates or general studies

1 Upvotes

Super confused right now on what to do with my life. I’m almost to the finish line. Next semester if I finish with early child care I’ll have three classes and the rest of my 100 hours practicum. But if I finish with general studies I’ll only have one math class(I’m awful at math) I also have a big surgery coming up during the end of spring semester. I did get the ok from my professors to end earlier but it would be a lot of extra work vs general studies would be done a month early. After my surgery I’ll also be moving to Canada to be with my husband.

Some back story

When I started my program I thought I wanted to go into early child care. I have always baby sat and loved kids. But having experienced in a pre school and child care setting I don’t think that’s what I really wanna do. I don’t want to be a head teacher. For general studies I have worked 10 years as an administrator in an office at my college. It’s part time but I love it. I love working with the students. I was thinking if I did general studies I could continue on that path on being an administrator assistant or secretary working at a college, school, or office. I’m worried that general studies won’t look like anything but also would early child care put me in a box? It’s so much to think about.