What advice would you give

BMTH

I know I haven't been around long but been a been lurker before eventually signing up. The community here seems great for telling people how it is, good or bad!

Basically, I'm going through what I probably consider in my own terms a quarter life crisis. I'm 24 and completely lost about what I want to do in life, and I feel now I'm running out of time.

I'm not just talking just about job, although that is the biggy. Basically I'm working in a factory earning minimum wage which is just about covering my bills and then some. I have no qualifications to my name apart from GCSE's (only about 4-5 are pass). I've looked into further education but I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to it. I know for a fact I won't stick out evening classes in a college - that is if I ever decide what to do! All I do know is, I don't fancy staying where I am until I retire.

As stated just above I am lucky enough to have my own place which I bought a couple of years ago now. It's been tough staying on top of everything and not overspending on things but I'm managing quite well. I guess my heads just above water. I posted a week or so back that my circumstances had changed - the property is actually on the market and I'm about to take it off as I was going travelling (long story) but now staying where I am which means I'm going to lose £800 in estate agent fees.

Another issue with me, and I don't know why it bugs me so much, is I can't seem to ever hold a hobby or interest down. I absolutely love music and play on a plastic electronic drum kit at home but it's getting to the point now where I'm losing interest as I don't have the contacts to take it further. I played football for a bit until I realized I really wasn't any good, so decided to be a watcher instead. I really want to be so good at something I get recognised for it (not talking famous or anything - but for myself!)

Socially, I have a small group of friends who are all settled down now, so I don't tend to go out much anymore, and truth be told I disliked going out anyway. I'm really not a big drinker but sometimes I think that's the only way I can get out and meet new people!

Anyway, apologies for rambling and giving my life story. Basically I just want to know for any of you older guys what advice you would give me that perhaps you might have given yourself? Life is so precious and we only get one stab at it, I just feel I need a kick up the backside every now and then.

gt568

Have you thought about the Armed Forces? Career, travel, quals, pension. Worth a thought.

Auntie-Dolly

If I was a young man instead of an old woman I'd join the navy.

newmum1

It sounds like you haven't done too badly so far, you own your own property despite been on a low income. You sound like you have drive and ambition.

The advice I would give you is you take your time and look at your options don't force a hobby it will find you just because we are not good at something doesn't meant it can't be a hobbit.

In terms of career try to think about what may interest you e.g. Teaching, social work, army, nurse, paramedic etc

You sound like you have your head screwed on.
Good luck

jackyann

I would consider volunteer work, if you have the time.
Choose anything that interests you - you will have a commitment, so although you can 'resign' you can't flit in and out.
You'll meet new people and widen your circle.
Some volunteer work enables you to train for qualifications if you like, but no-one is looking at your exam grades.
I think it might help you out of a rut and towards a decision.

WibblyGirly

I felt exactly like you when I was that age (4 years ago) I started small. I re did my Maths GCSE at college as an evening class.
Relationship breakdown and a new job meant moving a few miles away to a new place. I then decided to do a module at the Open uni. For me, it was pushing myself to do things I didn't think I could (Or that I was told I couldn't do/would be a waste of time).
I'm in the middle of my 3rd year at a brick uni now getting good scores and applying for a masters in something I'd never thought of doing before!
Life can completely change in an instant. I'd suggest choosing something small like a GCSE you failed and see how it goes. I think its now free to re-do them at college now so theres no reason why not plus you'll meet new people there too.

Money_saving_maniac

Get off your sweet !!! and plan out your career. If you don't, you will stay doing low paid jobs till you die. That factory might shut down and then you would lose you house as you would have no other skills.

You are still in the sweet spot for a career change. Same with hobbies, try a number until you find something you really really enjoy.

Kick up the bum delivered.

Kynthia

I think it's common around your age to take stock of where you are and where you want to be. I was 24 when I enrolled at my local college to study the AAT to improve/change my career. Things improved gradually and over time I got better jobs and studied to become a qualified accountant. So think about what parts of your jobs you've enjoyed, what interests you or what do you think you are good at. Then look at what courses you can go on, what tasks you could take on at work for experience, what you could volunteer in or what jobs you could apply for tgat would move you towards your goal.

A second job could help you get more money and meet more people. Or find a hobby you like where you could meet people or join Meet up. Make the effort to accept invites you normally wouldn't or arrange social events yourself if you want to make new friends.

ska_lover

I don't know what you expect from us OP, you seem so dithery about what it is you want, yourself.

You don't want to stay where you are career wise, yet you don't want to retrain. Well you will still be doing what you do in 20 years then. You know this. You either motivate yourself to change things or you stay as you are but at the minute you are waking up every day doing the same thing but expecting things to be different some how

You are doing far better than MANY 24 year olds, believe me so don't be hard on yourself - all you really need is some motivation

Ilona

Don't worry, you're not running out of time. I tried all sorts of jobs, not qualified for anything. I like driving so I got a job as a van driver, then trained to be a driving instructor, but didn't like it. Then at 27 I decided I wanted to be a lorry driver. That was it, found my passion, and had 32 years on the road.

Something will turn up, but you have to look for it. What do you feel drawn to, have a go at something different. Look around you, what's going on, research on the internet, read newspapers, talk to people, be nosy, ask what they do.

I decided I didn't want to do repetitive work, didn't want to go to the same place every day, didn't want to work indoors, was no good as a team player, preferred to work by myself, and wanted the responsibility to think for myself.

OP, think about what interests you and read up about it.

Ilona

[Deleted User]

Forgive me You sound awfully like a poster called thats the spirit. They too were 24, owned their own house even being on nmw, disliked their work, hobby as music, in process of selling the home.

What advice would I have given myself
To have got out there more and built up my self esteem sooner. (though this behaviour stuff stems from childhood really so no point dwelling to much)
And
To have seeked therapy sooner rather then later
(Esp If I've ever had the same feelings for a prolonged period of time and can't see to help myself.)

^^The only sensible thing I can suggest. Please help yourself or keep with the reincarnations and nothing ever getting dealt with.