Is it normal that i am 23 and still don't know what to do with my life?

79% Normal
5 Comments

I want to start off with saying I don't need you people putting comments like "Get off your ass and do something with your life." One, I'm already trying. Two, it's obvious advice that you'd be saying just to seem superior.
So like the title says, I am 23 and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I am currently studying Psychology and have about another two years to graduate. (Had to take a break for financial issues. Lol.) The main reason I wanted to study Psychology was to learn more about myself and better understand people. I've taken so many career aptitude tests and they all say things like Law Enforcement, Counseling, Social Services, and Teaching would be best for me. All options sound okay, but I don't feel an actual pull towards them. I'm worried that whatever I choose, I will miss out on so much in everything I don't choose. Plus I want to be able to enjoy what I do. Also--and I know I sound like a typical young adult who doesn't want to care about anything--but I have this EXTREME craving to travel. Not like vacation on the beach and drink Mai Tais travel, but actually see the world and learn about all cultures kind of travel. I want a job that would allow me to travel whether it's for vacation and/or as part of the job. I feel like I'd be happy traveling and finding temporary jobs where I'm staying. But then I think I would eventually feel guilty for not living a life with a career in helping people like I said I would.
People are always telling me I can travel when I'm older, but I know it wouldn't be the same. I would have to take my health and strength into consideration and there is no guarantee I would even be able to travel when I'm older. Then they say I can travel during vacations and weekends while having an actual career, but I know I cannot see all the places I want with just one vacation a year. I'm not naive in thinking traveling is cheap, but I do know there are ways to make it work with a budget. I wish I was brave enough to just quit my jobs and leave my life and just travel like that dude in that one car commercial did. Lol, but I feel like I have some sort of responsibility to devote my life to helping people. It's what my family, aptitude test scores, and even teachers tell me I would be good at. I have no idea what to do!!
One more thing... I don't want comments about how long my post is. I felt I needed to write all this to better explain my dilemma. Yes, I had a lot to say, no need to bitch about it. I've noticed it's another popular comment on this site rather than giving actual advice. Lol.

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79% Normal
Based on 19 votes (15 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • Cocomilktitties
    8 years ago

    Sounds pretty normal. I think you have to figure out what you want. That's what I'm having to do. I think part of it is just picking something. sometimes, there is no "perfect" career... at least not at first. You have to just pick a path that kind of points you in the direction you want to go, and just keep going with it and see what you can do.
    It sounds to me like traveling is the biggest thing on your list. There are lots of jobs that you can travel for, but you might have to accept that they might not seem at first like something that you really want to do. Sales, for example, is a big traveling job. Your major could also help you with that. Aviation is also a big traveling job if you have a way of getting into that field.
    Some people also take a while in their early career to maybe not make as much money, but do a job where they can travel a lot like maybe work on a cruise ship or something idk...
    But the thing that I personally have struggled with and am now facing which I think would help you, too is you have to decide what you really want. If you don't know, then just pick something. But once you have a goal... it makes it easier to start working in a direction.
    You'll probably be fine either way though I mean you are working through your bachelor's and that's a step ahead of quite a few people, so don't worry too much!

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  • damarixa12
    8 years ago

    I'm 20 with two kids and it sucks like hell. Don't get me wrong I love my little angels but there is much more I wanna do.I want to travel the world and become an anthropologist. I graduated high school with 4.3 gpa at age 16. I got a scholarship to U of I. But got pregnant as soon as I graduated.I was supposed to start that August but ask for a deferral. Time to go back boom another pregnacy. So I pretty much said fuck it.I live in the deep south of Illinois and wanna get out of here. The most interesting thing out here is a can of paint. My advice to u is do whatever you need to do so u won't feel miserable. Hope this helps☺

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      7 years ago

      This actually does help. Thank you :) I wish you the best of luck as well ;)

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  • thegypsysailor
    8 years ago

    It takes some people well into their 30's or later to find their passion in life. Be patient and keep trying new things. Screw everyone else who is telling you this and that and do it your way.

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    • Aaaaaaand he's back
      8 years ago

      Exactly, it takes some people longer than others. Like for example you, sailor. It has taken you 69 years and you still don't know what to do with your life

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