24, no degree, no career prospects...depressed and going nowhere in life

[CorneliusRuperTravis]

I don't really know where to begin. The title pretty much sums it up. My life is a collosal mess.

I am 24 years old, living at home with my parents in a semi-shared room with my youngest brother (he sleeps in a loft conversion which is accessible only through a ladder in my room, so I still get no privacy).. I work part-time in retail earning minimum wage. I dropped out of university (studying acting) in the second year due to depression and anxiety rendering me unable to cope with the schedules and coursework, landing me with £30k of student loans debt with nothing to show for it. I have only GCSE's, a college BTEC in Performing Arts and a very basic certificate in IT User Skills which isn't going to impress anybody enough to give me a proper job.

I can't drive, having never had a single lesson, and I currently don't earn enough to pay for lessons AND buy a car plus all the insurance that goes with it. So I am stuck trying to find a better-paying job which I can travel to using public transport, which is very difficult.

I am grateful for my job in the shop, having been long-term unemployed before, but as it is a designer brand it is geared towards hard-selling, which my social-anxiety is not suited for. I am expected to meet sales targets and have to come up with innovative ways to boost sales in my area. I often feel completely incapable of this and so I sometimes dread going to work, particularly if I am criticised when my area has not been selling lately.

I flick through job websites hoping to find something I am qualified for, but fail to find anything. I don't want to work in retail my whole life, yet I know I am not qualified for anything else. I believe my written communication is very good, yet I am incredibly nervous in interviews.

And above all, I have absolutely no motivation to do anything. Trying to dig myself out of this hole feels like an enormous struggle. I find myself just sitting in my room, vegetating in the front of the computer or staring out of the window. Or I buy things online just for that bit of excitement when something arrives in the post, which is short-lived. Or I download porn for hours on end, something which I am very ashamed of, but can't seem to stop doing.

I'm supposed to be enjoying my weekend off of work. Instead, I have just sat in my pyjamas for the last two days, not showering or grooming, eating sporadically, going to bed late and sleeping in. After this, I am dreading going back to work as it seems like a real hurdle to get myself out of this state.

I don't really know what I am looking to get out of this post. There is a pressing sensation on my chest, and I just feel like garbage right now.

[Oosh]

When I was in a depressing situation and found if difficult to shake off that kind of funk I took up exercise. Swimming, cycling, running, anything to boost my mood and give my day some shape.

Maybe start swimming at the local pool ? Set a routine, do it before you go to work each day and get your mood lift right at the start of each day. It also helps you get around other people.

Can you think of any ideas for starting up your own business ? Can be a quick way to a more rewarding job if you can think of a good idea. Research business ideas in your local area and copy one. If they can do it you can be doing it too.

Keep your chin up. Don't get bogged down by all the negative thoughts you're bound to be having. Have a problem solving attitude and be looking for solutions that make you feel better instead. They'll act like steps up and out of your current situation into a new and more rewarding place.

What about a partner ? A great way to add a bit of enjoyment and companionship back into your life. Get fit and go on a few dates. :)

Lots to live for :)

[SLA]

Don't focus on all the things you don't have. Switch your focus to all the things you could have.

Using small steps each day, move closer towards a life that is better.

If it is any consolation, I was in a similar position when I was 24. I managed to overcome depression and anxiety, and when I was 26, I met my future wife. We had 2 kids, got a house, and got married.

Now I am 33, seperated, and back home living with my parents. :D

Life isn't a fairy-tale.

If you're interested I started a YouTube channel, because I was hoping to help people in a similar situation.

youtube.com/channel/UC9lYj24_xGwZwzJKknmE8Tg

[Qualified_Survivor]

one of the great things about life is that it never stays the same. Whether you want to or not life has a way of snatching you away from that little eddy you're bobbing about in and hurling you back into the mainstream. It may be for the good or it may be for the worse - life really doesn't care. It just wants to keep moving forward.

[KeeKee]

You're still young and have plenty of time. I'm very nearly 28 now. I also have no degrees etc, had to quit studying due to developing anxiety. Haven't worked in 4 years. I feel so low. I still have hope though, you should too. Good luck