I feel like stuck and lost, I don't know what I'm doing with my life anymore

[_Will_]

Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been thinking about what my goals should be. But over time, that slowly turned into questioning my life goals altogether, and I started to realize that I don’t know what I’m doing anymore and don’t have the motivation or dive to do what brings me joy or achievement.

I’m 23, turning 24. I have a history of mental health issues depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I’m trying to find work, and I’ve given up studying photography because I’ve lost the drive and creativity I once had. With the rise of AI, I feel like I and many other artists are being pushed aside in this new age of technology and made to feel replaceable. alright so I'll look for work. Nope Ive sent 20 job applications and I always get the same answer "sorry you don't have enough experience" or never hear back from them. and baby boomers saying Our generation are lazy or its my fault I'm not trying hard enough

I feel like Sisyphus at the moment, pretty much pushing the boulder up the hill only for it to roll back down before reaching the top.

I don’t know what I’m doing with my life anymore.

And honestly, I don’t what’s the point of existing.

[Psychdiaries2]

Hi there,

A warm welcome to the forums, thank you for joining us here!

It’s unfortunately true what you said about AI pushing creative people out of their fields. It must be quite disheartening especially when you’ve put in so much hard work and effort. I know how tough the job market is too. Perhaps right now you could look into volunteering? As a volunteer myself, it is quite joyous to be helping your community. Maybe you can look into that to bring you some motivation again and also to get experience for a job.

I agree, it is frustrating to hear older generations complaining that us Gen Z are “lazy” when we can’t find a job. It really is unfair. Honestly, don’t listen to it. You’re not lazy and you’re doing your best and that’s what matters. Don’t give up, I’m hoping something will come along for you soon. 

When I have struggled with seasons of depression and anxiety and I didn’t feel like living anymore, I reminded myself that I need to stay here for my loved ones but also for myself to keep going and see what the future holds. Believe in your ability to accomplish great things. You’ve reached out on here for help and that is already so commendable. 

Lastly, do you have anyone in your life you can speak to about this? Also, it would be worthwhile to speak to a counsellor if you haven’t already. There’s support for you here of course over the phone, KidsHelpline and Lifeline which are all online and free to use. 

Keep reaching out on here, you’re not alone and we’re here to talk. Take care of yourself today. Sending love to you!

[_Will_]

thank you very much for that, I feel much better and I honestly needed to hear that, I speak to my dad alot and he understand where I'm coming from because he too been there when he was my age.

and I do see a psychiatrist monthly and I'm see them next week

again thank you very much

[randomxx]

Hi there op.

Sometimes yaknow, we, and things to, just get stuck for awhile . Sometimes we're trying too hard to, others it doesn't seem to matter what we do, some others we're following the wrong path and so it just doesn't wanna come together. Other times things like that are just a bit of a life pause kinda thing seems to happen right through life always has mine. Could be mths or a few yrs but it's pretty well a natural process l've always thought. Life wouldn't work if it was just throwing it at us 24/7 yrs on end right , it seems to like waves.

One day when your not expecting it or same old same old, or on the right track or God knows, you catch a new one and finally things start happening again. lt's ok to not be achieving 24/7.

l didn't know wth l wanted to do next until about 24 and felt like a total failure in my own eyes but then, one day l just stumbled over something and finally had some direction. Ended up in that business 15yrs.

l'm sorry about the photography, my d is your age and she's going into photography to but a bit like yourself and me back when to as l say, it's been a long choppy road for her to getting to this point. Your right to about the Ai stuff, it's pretty scary and pretty disappointing to, especially for the arts as you say but you know what, and l was in the arts myself, but l reckon there'll still and always will be the space and taste for real art. l reckon if you love it, do it, it'll all work out.

It's fantastic you can talk to your dad and he gets it anyway great stuff. l tell my daughter similar stuff to bc like your dad as l say really struggled myself for a long time earlier.

Hang in , and don't be scared to just step back for a bit, take a pause.

rx