What happened to me?

Question

Hi,

I just graduated out of High School in June & turned 18 in July but I decided to take a semester off from community college because I don't have my license yet and I don't really know how to drive.

The only job I have is working weekends at a fast food restaurant for a little above minimum wage. During the week, I basically just sit home sulking and hating myself. I want to get another full time job but I feel so worthless I don't even want to go outside anymore. I can't sleep anymore.

Everyone else my age seems to be going to these 4 years colleges, have great jobs, and some are even buying their own appartments.

Why am I so afraid to proceed into the real world? Has anyone ever had a similar experience?

Answer 1

Your self-esteem is way too low! It is hard when you see people succeeding and you wish you could be the same way. You asked why are you so afraid to proceed into the real world. That expression gets tossed around a lot, especially at the age of 18, but I doubt whether there is a "real world." Each individual is unique. Imagine if you were living in the third world. You would likely have very little in the way of education or job opportunities within your reach. You are living it hardcore. When I was 18 my spirits were low and I was getting little enjoyment out of life. That actually turned into major depression for me so I left school. I took the opportunity to do a little travelling, and when I returned home I got a job -- and I met a girlfriend. Those were the best years of my life! So hang in there and mentally prepare yourself for the best that life has got to offer.

Answer 2

There are a lot a really good suggestions here. Do you have anything you enjoy doing? Remember that phrase; "I want to be a _________ when I grow up"? Do you know how to fill in that blank yet? Keep in mind you are just 18, the beginning of adulthood. It is time to experiment with what it is you want to do and be. A 2 year college is a great compromise and a good place to experiment with options. Volunteering at various places is also a great way to figure out what you like (or don't like), and an added bonus to both is meeting new people. Learning to drive is relatively simple if you have someone willing to teach. Do you have any other job place skills? If so expand your horizons out of the fast food industry, take baby steps. You need to build up your confidence, get yourself out in the world Do little things at first to work yourself up to the bigger things. You can do it, this is a somewhat normal feeling, after all you are officially and adult now and that can be scary. As for the lack of sleep thing, try to get yourself on a regular schedule of getting up and going to bed at the same time, also I have been told melatonin works (and its natural) to aid sleep. Exercise during the day also helps sleep at night. No TV, computer, etc in bedroom, it is supposed to be a place of sanctuary and ONLY for sleeping....
Good Luck...let us know how it goes

Answer 3

College isn't for everyone, especially a 4 year school. You just need to keep looking for good oppertunities. It may take time, but you could find a decent job that you feel grown up working at. I'm in college and going to graduate this spring and I'm nervous about going out into the real world, but I know that it will be a process and not an over-night thing. Good luck!

Answer 4

So they went straight to college - but will they drop out eventually because they want to be like you?
So they have great jobs - but are they happy?
So they are buying real estate - Are they going into debt, that will cripple them for life and then lead to divorce?
My advice is "Plan your future because this is where you will spend all the rest of your time!"
If you are prepared to work on weekends then you have got a good work ethic, the fulltime job will come. So maybe in the meantime to build up your confidence, and so that you do not fall into a rut, you could go for your license and experience the independence that having a car will bring - of cause you will need a fulltime job to buy the car!! See how it works? Self motivation / not keeping up with the Jones. Good luck!...

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with taking a semester off from school. However, you should try to get a full time job. It's not about competing with the other guys. Working is good for your psyche, your self-esteem. Also, you should try to devise a plan of where you see yourself in 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. Try to set goals and work towards achieving them. This will take your mind off of other people's lives and help you focus on the one that matters the most - yours!

Answer 6

Ive had the exact experience. Im 38 now, but...

When I graduated, I could have gone to college like my friends and got a job and my own apartment and all, but I didnt have that independant feeling, and was shy and just didnt have it in me, physically or mentally. I was bipolar then and didnt know it.

I didnt get medicated till I was 26.

This is what it sounds like to me. A mixture of depression and manic. Very common with people. Nothing to feel weird about. Easily fixed and you will start sleeping at night and youll want to get out there and be successful.

Answer 7

Your depressed, you don't need anyone to tell you that, but you do need to know that most people have gone through that at some point, or will. You may also have hormones acting up.
Get out and do something, anything. See friends or make new ones. Be among people, go to the park; sit and talk to someone who looks lonely. Go to the movies - comedy or feel-good.
Put on your favorite clothes, fix your hair, put on make up, look like a million and go to the mall.
Volunteer to help someone or some place. That may be your claim to fame for this time. While your friends are working to please themselves, you could work to please someone else. Plenty of time to make money and get into debt and drown yourself in responsibilities. You need your education. Your school choice is a good one.
Take advantage of this time. Get up, get out and do something worth your while.

Answer 8

right now u r in a stage of depression.Stop comparing u r self with others theyr'nt living u r life and u r situations are effecting u so just don't compare u r self with any1 u r defeat does'nt come from u r situation but it comes from within u weakens u and leads u depressed.so if u wanna make u r life worth living be positive never give up always be optimistic and always do the best u can 100% and u will truly b successful.
good luck

Answer 9

One semester is ok. Two is streaching it a bit.

Sounds like someone is helping you .. You don't want to wear out your welome with whom ever it is that is supporting you. And perhaps they have some good suggestions.

You have to learn to drive .. not necessairly get a car .. but certainly learn to drive and get that licence. It opens options for the future.

In the meantime .. busses, mopeds, bicycles might be able to get you around.

college is probably a good idea. Don't get into a rut. Try to stay out of college loan and credit card debt.

good luck..

Answer 10

Have not felt that way personally, but know some who did. You must overcome your fear of getting out of from indoors. You may feel like you don't belong or you don't make a difference, but you do. And once you start down a path you feel comfortable with you will realize you make a hell of a difference. Don't sit down - stand up and move forward!