In a rut

[Juliet343]

This is my first post, and I've got to say the concept of typing out my problems for strangers to read is extremely foreign to me but I feel like the mere process of doing so we'll be beneficial, so here it goes.

I'm 18 years old, and I finished year 12 last year I did really well and got into the degree I thought I wanted. But now I'm starting uni mid year because the degree I enrolled in initially just wasn't for me.
This change of events has created the struggles dealing with the fact I'm unemployed and that pretty much everyone I know my age is either in university, traveling or working full time. I know its not beneficial to compare myself to others but I simply can't help it, I am always by myself and my mind tends to wander into depressing, self loathing thoughts.
At the moment I live for the weekends when I can go out, get drunk and be with my friends. But this is only making things worse... I feel worthless, useless and pathetic. I have little to no working experience and this worries me immensely, I feel as though I will never be employed because its tough to get a job at the moment and I'm competing with people who have experience and if I were an employer I'd hire the person with greater experience. I just don't know what to do for the months leading up to starting uni, ideally I'd like to work full time and save some money but it all just seems impossible right now.
Having this mindset is incredibly frustrating because at times I feel like I'm being dramatic, irrational - just get a job, keep trying, right? But the process and my lack of experience and in turn confidence makes the whole process seem next to impossible. 
To summarise, I feel desperately alone, and pathetic. I have no idea how to make myself feel happy again.

[CrashCoyote]

Hi Juliet343,

I am a lot older than you (51) but have five kids, two older than you. 

Times have changed a lot since I went to high school. In those days (Only the early 80's) I did not have to be concerned with being unemployed, just getting the job I wanted. It is much harder for young people today.

Are you sick of study or just the degree you started? You will need to decide if you are happy to search for a job that suits high school leavers if you are done with formal education. That said, don't sell yourself short. Employers look for more than just "book smarts". Personality, presentation, maturity, appearance, passion and integrity are but a few of the traits employers have difficulty finding in applicants.

Can you post back a field or area you'd like to work in? I just want to get an idea of what might best suit you.

Kind regards, John.

P.S. No matter how much fun partying and boozing are, they are a diversion, not the answer!

[geoff]

dear Julie, I know it's always nerve wrecking to post your first comment, but you have done it so well done and welcome to BB.

I like the saying 'don't sell yourself short', so can you go to an Employment Agency where they will take down who you are basically and what your intentions are working wise and will have a list of different number of employers wanting staff, starting from where you are to other people with experience, so give them a go. Geoff. x