Originally Posted by
Lyle
Let me give you the very shortened version of my experience:
- I was your age, plus one year, 27.
- I had graduated college, but was working in an unrelated and unfullfilling job.
- I was very depressed, even thinking of taking drastic measures (suicide).
- Went back to school, but found that did not help, at all.
- Decided to take a long hike.
- Made and carried out a plan to get rid of my "stuff" and worked an extra job to earn the money over the next 6 months.
- No more suicidal thought - I was making progress on my plan.
- Took off for an 11 month, cross-country backpacking trip.
- TONS of time to think over my life, re-set my inner conflicts, all while haveing a BLAST and making great friends, friends to this day, 35 years later.
- I still did not know what I would do with my life, but it no longer mattered that much, I KNEW that I could be happy without the "stuff" and a plan.
- After the hike ended, I was sad, but not depressed.
- Worked a series of "nothing" jobs. Took some pre-hospital medical courses - just for my own fullfillment.
- These courses and the resulting license led to my long-term career, from which I recently retired with a pension. I did take time out from this career for another 5 year adventure part way through, but that is another story.
- I have, to this day, never given another thought to suicide or giving up.
Moral of the story, for me, was that I can be happy and fullfilled in many ways that do not involve the traditional choices society tells us are appropriate. It's YOUR life, follow your instincts and live it. Don't worry about what you are SUPPOSED to be doing.
Good Luck.