LPT stands for “Life Pro Tip,” and it is often used in Reddit threads where users seek advice or tips.
The question you have posed is a common one that many individuals face at some point in their lives. It can be challenging and overwhelming to feel unsure about one’s life direction, especially as we approach our 30s, which is often seen as a significant milestone. However, it is important to remember that it is never too late to make changes and find your purpose.
Firstly, it’s commendable that you have sought therapy and have been working on your mental health. Depression can be a significant barrier in finding clarity and direction in life. Continue to prioritize your mental well-being and seek professional help if needed. Additionally, surround yourself with a support system of friends, family, or a support group who can provide encouragement and guidance during this challenging time.
When it comes to your academic journey, it is not uncommon for individuals to change career paths or take longer to complete their studies. It is essential to approach your education and career choices with an open mind and the understanding that it is a part of the learning and growth process. It may be helpful to reflect on what aspects of your studies you enjoy and explore how they can be applied in different fields or industries.
Consider conducting a self-assessment to identify your strengths, interests, and values. This process can help you gain insight into what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. Reflect on previous experiences, hobbies, or activities that brought you joy or a sense of accomplishment. This information can serve as a starting point to explore potential career paths that align with your skills and values.
Exploring different career options is essential and can be done through research, informational interviews, and networking. Talk to professionals in fields that interest you and ask them about their experiences and insights. Attend industry events, join professional groups or associations, and utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals who can offer guidance and potential job opportunities.
Volunteering or interning in different industries can also provide valuable insight into potential career paths. These experiences can allow you to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and determine whether a specific field aligns with your interests and expectations.
Often, finding purpose and direction in life requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. This might involve pursuing a new career path, starting your own business, or even exploring opportunities abroad. Be open to new possibilities and embrace the idea that failure is simply a part of the learning process. Every setback or challenge can provide valuable lessons and contribute to personal and professional growth.
In addition to career exploration, personal development is equally important in finding fulfillment in life. Take the time to invest in self-improvement activities such as learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and passion. Engaging in activities outside of work or studies can often lead to new connections and opportunities that you may not have considered before.
Remember that finding your purpose and a fulfilling life takes time, patience, and self-reflection. It is a journey that is unique to each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Be kind to yourself during this process and celebrate each small step forward, even if it may not seem significant at the time.
Lastly, don’t compare yourself to others or adhere to societal expectations of where you should be at a particular age. Each person’s journey is different and unfolds at its own pace. Your age should not define your success or hinder your ability to make positive changes in your life.
In conclusion, if you find yourself approaching your 30s and feeling lost or uncertain, know that you are not alone. Seeking therapy and prioritizing your mental health is a crucial first step. Take the time to reflect on your strengths, interests, and values. Explore different career paths through research, internships, and networking. Embrace personal development and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Remember, finding your purpose is a journey, and it’s never too late to make changes and find fulfillment in your life.
It’s ok man, you just need to set goals for yourself, long and short term, and work at achieving them. These will give you a sense of fulfillment and make life feel more rewarding. Other things you can do might include exercising, participating in hobbies you enjoy, meditating/practicing mindfulness, or volunteering 🙂
Don’t give up hope, you’ve got this. It sounds like you have drive to pick up new skills which puts you ahead of most of the world. Try to keep your head down and see your objectives through to completion. Youre well on your way to becoming a highly qualified candidate in any workplace and the rest can fall in place.
So what is it that you need help with? Do you need help deciding what to do?
Change your mindset, ask yourself why you’re depressed. An emotion itself only lasts as long as we fixate on it.
I’m speaking as a severely suicidal and previously anxious person myself, now-a-days I feel neither extreme and I spend seven out of seven days happy.
Besides that, look inward, you likely already know what you want to do, follow your passions. Follow the ‘flow’ state, learn emotional control, eat right and always always be open to new growth.
As far as the negativities go, don’t look at them as negativities, look at them as challenges you are conquering.
Age itself is just a number, so, not putting so much weight in numbers will help.
Psyche exploration, inner child healing and meditation are a few personal suggestions. You’ve got this ✌🏻
It sounds like depression talking. You’ve done really well getting to where you are, you’re miles ahead of where you were at the beginning on your course too.
Writing a thesis is hard for anyone, it’s probably the most depressing and demoralising part of any course. Make small goals for yourself, like writing a section, or a first draft of a section, then finish for the day and go out, get some natural light, fresh air, go for a walk for a few miles.
Depression really really sucks, I know. Things like getting out for a walk do help though, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
On the writing a thesis front, I always write down what I want to say in bullet points, or notes in each section. Then flesh it out, then go over it again to make it sound better, then again to make it align with the other bits I’ve written etc. It’s an iterative process. No one writes their final draft first time. 🙂
I felt the same way up until very recently. What helped was:
1. Sticking to a routine (gym, meditate, hydrate etc) even if it sucked. I laughed that advice off for years before trying it and seeing the benefits
2. Stopped listening to what I was supposed to do and fit more ‘play’ in. Play being anything that you naturally gravitate towards. Dedicate time to do something different but something you want to try
3. Journal about #1 and 2. It won’t help immediately but getting in the habit of reflecting will help you realize some things in the future.
For me these helped to shed the person I was being because I thought that was who I was supposed to be to find who I was at my core. From there the career problem started to get clearer and clearer. Not saying this is a quick fix at all but thought I’d share in case it helps you at all.
My best advice is to just do. Do things, try new things. Work with your hands, challenge your brain, learn new skills. See what ignites a fire.
I started my career in plumbing, two years in I realized it wasn’t for me, I was good at it, still am, but the stress didn’t go well with my anxiety and the work didn’t line up with what I wanted for my future.
I was lost. This made me anxious, the options of school, work, entrepreneurship all made me more anxious. So I decided to just “do”. I finished my Plumbing apprenticeship. That was my short term. Focusing on that short term goal helped relieve the anxiety on thinking about future goals.
3 years later I’m at my future goal. And it’s almost cyclical. Anxieties arose again and I just had to set another short term goal to then help relieve anxiety about my future.
I hope this can help. This is anecdotal. But just doing something helps. As I’ve been told you can’t steer a ship that isn’t moving. So start moving.
Eat more fiber, run daily and meditate daily.
It’s not a waste.
I was in your spot at 30 and wandered into a Navy recruiter and enlisted. I went in at 31 as a photojournalist on an aircraft carrier. It was a very cool experience, but ultimately wasn’t for me and I got out at 37. I was able to save $97k and used some of that to buy a house. I get VA payments of $2200 a month for life which raises to match inflation every January. Life is pretty great and easy now.
I recommend if you’re at a non-crossroads in your life, do something like that. If you are diligent and choose the military (I’d recommend the Air Force) you can make out pretty well.
buy a motorcycle or find a woman
I was in the same situation. Burned out at work. Felt like it was dead end. I’d never finished my degree so I told myself one day look, you will either be 34 with a degree or 34 without one.
Went back to school after Covid and Graduated with my bachelor’s last year.
Still in the dead end job but at least I now have a degree AND crippling student load debt.
Stop worrying about getting old. You’re still super young and have plenty of time to do whatever you want, for the most part.
When you’re 40 you’ll look back and realize you were a fool to worry. And again when you’re 50, and so on.
Figure out what you want and start working in that direction. If you need to change directions or start all over, hey, it’s fine
I was very much like you, then, at 37 I went from office drone to construction worker. Being out doors, using my muscles, completing tangible things every day, refueled my sense of self. I became an artist and entertainer the last 15 years before retirement. I teach, and I do community projects that I deem important, and I feel contended most of the time. I’ll never be wealthy, but I am very rich in what counts.
Good news! You’ll be well prepared for the same shit in your mid 40’s.
What all the other adults won’t tell you, is that not a one of us knows what the fuck we are doing. We just make shit up as we go. Shit I turn 37 next month and am just now maybe figuring out a career path.
Is the therapist helping? A lot of therapist are kind, attentive listeners, but don’t really help you break out of where you’re stuck.
Can I suggest a psychiatrist? Anti anxiety medication might be helpful but definitly don’t just try anything, get a psychiatrist to evaluate you
Try not to tie your whole life to a job. You are more than what you do for work. The income you generate from whatever job you have facilitates the more important aspects of living.