25 F Lost in life?

I'm in a very similar situation OP, although a year older working a office job I don't enjoy in the least. Ive done a lot of thinking about the unhappiness surrounding not being where you want to be . It's a time where all my classmates are finishing up graduate school, doctoral programs etc, moving forward with a more independent and seemingly more "figured out" life. I wanted to go into science / medicine in some capacity, I got my bachelors in microbiology / biochemistry and I got cold feet about grad schools because I didnt really have a finite end goal position in mind, I just really enjoyed the material.

What ive come to realize is that it isn't helpful in the least to compare yourself to others in that way, it does nothing but make you feel inadequate, anxious, and overwhelmed. I couldn't even enjoy reading books, something I tremendously enjoy because of the anxiety that I need to be doing something to "figure my life out".

I think as another person replied start a little introspective thinking. What are your values, what settings / titles / role would make you the fulfilled you. I felt locked into the thinking of I spent all of this time and money getting this education, extremely overwhelmed that I let my family down, that I wasted an opportunity, etc. I am here to tell you that if you let that sort of dread feeling hang out, you will be emotionally drained, pessimistic, and unable to move forward. Like a negative feedback loop, the dread and worry can be a big road block to progess, furthering youe unhappiness.

Life comes with a lot of societal pressures, familial and friend pressure, cultural pressure to hit these arbitrary check points. Remember the only check points that matter are the ones you define, and if you feel like you arent hitting your/ own checkpoints adjust those points or adjust your strategy to reach them.

My assignment for you is to reply to this with 3 things that make you happy, and 3 things you want and why you want them. I know that it seems kind gross / narcissistic sometimes to think solely about yourself regardless of others or how those things will be perceived by others , but if you feel lost you have to find yourself on the map before you plot your course forward.

Its easier said than done, because I'm not on my way yet either, but I think soon as I started gauging my values and interests more seriously, I have narrowed my scope / range of ideas.

I hope this makes sense / helps.

/r/careerguidance Thread