Just turned 24 a month ago, staved myself from weed for over half a year, and recently started psychiatric therapy. I'm trying to improve myself and realize that I spent the last 3 years of free community college and 3 free years of uni on a degree that will likely get me nowhere and am only pushing on because I am a semester away from getting a bachelors, which is better than turning tail and having nothing to show for all the time I wasted.I still don't know what I really want to do in life, and so I have decided that this will be the year that I try all the things my young adult mind wanted to do but never got around. I just started editing videos, coded a program in python the other day, and resumed my hobby of 3D modeling. I know there are many people who only started out in their mid-20s to early 30s but I can't shake off the feeling that I watched the past half a decade go away with nothing to show for it.no job experience, no internships, nothingHow do I shake off this feeling of hopelessness and continue exploring different creative mediums?
>>32604795Stop constantly thinking "I've wasted my life" "Life back then was so much better" "I wish I was young again". It makes you unlikeable and only makes you stuck in the past
It’s completely understandable to feel conflicted about the time you think you've lost, but remember, you're still young with plenty of time to grow and explore. At 24, you’re at the beginning of adulthood, not the end. The key is shifting your focus from what you didn’t do to what you *are* doing now. You've already made positive changes by starting therapy, avoiding past habits like weed, and diving into new creative projects. These are all signs that you're taking control of your future.Instead of looking back, try to focus on small wins and be kind to yourself. Each new thing you try, whether it’s video editing, coding, or 3D modeling, is progress—even if you don’t immediately see the full picture. Building skills and exploring your interests is a process that takes time. No one’s path is linear, and many people find their direction in their late 20s or early 30s, so don’t let age pressure you.The feelings of wasted time might never fully disappear, but you can use them as motivation to keep trying new things. Reflect on your successes so far—finishing your degree, starting therapy, exploring creative fields—and remind yourself that you are actively investing in yourself now. Keep pushing forward with the same curiosity and passion for trying new things. Your future isn’t defined by past choices, but by what you’re doing right now.
>>32604795I just came to the conclusion that looking back with regret is just wasting time. As a child that hurts himself and learns the mistake, you must do the same and just move on.It could be worse, brother. I don't have a degree and have a difficult time landing a high paying job. Also you have your good health, there's folks that have bad luck and their lives literally ends even before entering their 20s. Heck, you could be 40 years old and be in the same situation.You have a whole life ahead of you, you haven't lived a third of your life- There's plenty of energy and time to do what you like and try to be successful (not in terms of money, but happiness).It's ok to ackowledge a mistake, but don't feel sad for long, just look forward. There is nothing behind, the past is an illusion - it does not even exist anymore. The only thing that matters is the present.Just go on LinkedIn, create a nice profile, take some nice picture, and start looking for something. If you aren't able to land anything entry level, at least try to land a short internship. With a bachelor's you are ahead of many people your age already.Keep doing what you love, or what you think you may like. Try new things. Dedicate a portion of each day to this. Be social (ffs, this is important) - don't be scared to make friends or connections, or approach people - as long as you focus on enjoying yourself and relax. Stop being so tense, stressed and depressed - that will kill you.High speed anon, you have your whole life ahead of you.
>>32604810The past was a great place. What's so good about the now?OP sounds exactly like me minus the weed. Same on/off hobbies, same nothing to show, but I'm 34
>>32604795acknowledge that you did in fact waste it and do better from now on ofc
