Why do I feel like I’m just not doing enough or as much as others my age?

[Anonymous]

I lost my job at the start of the pandemic last year. I haven’t found another one since. Unemployment has been paying me well and I have saved a lot from unemployment and the three stimulus checks alone. I still live with my parents and I don’t have any kids. I’m 24 years old. Since the pandemic I have been writing more, something I always enjoyed and I always did but didn’t have much time to when I was working, I also have been volunteering at an animal shelter for going on a year no just to get experience being around animals since I have a positive fascination for them and learning of their habitats, their natural behaviors etc and I’ve experienced so much and since doing it that I actually enjoy doing something for free. It’s like I’m in my happy place every-time I go but I see everyone else staring businesses selling things from purses, shoes, hair, makeup etc and then there’s me still working toward what I want and still researching and attempting to figure out the routes I need to take in order to achieve what I want to pursue and have a passion for.

[thebestalt]

Don't put yourself down. The mainstream puts a lot of emphasis on being an entrepreneur and being successful at a young age but that's just not realistic. Not everyone was made to be the CEO of a company and not everyone is lucky enough to have their own car and house before even the age of 30. It's all glorifying an unrealistic standard and it does make people feel inadequate but listen to me when I say this. You are young and you are going to live life the best way your know-how and the best way you can. Everyone is racing but everyone goes at their own pace. You all reach the finish line at some point and there is no prize for being first so it's okay to take your time. You'll enjoy life more that way. If you love being around animals, take a career with animals. Work at a zoo, be an animal handler, there are so many possibilities and you can combine it with so many passions you have. Don't compare yourself to others. Set your goals and reach them when you are ready.

[Asker]

Yea you’re right but I guess I feel pressured to be a “hustler” and get fast and quick money rather than government money. You know, everyone makes it seem like they have this hustling mentality. Even if they don’t have it they’ll still make it happen, while I had to depend on the government for the past year. I did well with the money and saved and I’m not broke but I guess it bothers me to think or feel like I’m not being independent like everyone else but like you said everyone is gonna live their life and go about it the way they see fit for themselves and trying to race won’t get me anywhere.

[thebestalt]

Try to stay away from social media as much. Learn to be in the moment and the world that you can actually affect or touch. Social Media is what everyone wants us to see. Now how their lives actually are.

[slatyb]

Get over your feelings of inadequacy. You are doing things that are enjoyable and meaningful for you.

You may feel uneasy because you are not working on long-term goals. What are they? Where would you like to be in five years? Presumably you don’t want to live with your parents your whole life.

[Asker]

You’re right I don’t want to stay with my parents my entire life. I actually want to move and live out of a state. Somewhere where the climate is warm and nice like California or Florida and as far as why I’m volunteering, I would like to become a veterinarian or any sort of animal handler but the thing is taking classes and paying for them. Volunteering is good to put on a resume but I need the education for it as well. But I hope to be working and job that enjoy, that involves animal in the next five years but the issue is wondering and figuring out how I’m gonna make that happen but then again I know my passion for it will be the reason I make it happen even if it seems impossible.

[slatyb]

Ok, so what can you do now to reach your goal that you are not already doing? What education is required? Can you take any classes now?

[Ditto626]

I'm 28 I have a bachelor's and a masters degree but I still live at home with my parents. (Life was hard these past 12 years due to financial reasons.) So I can understand your problem. Money is a big factor in being able to do stuff like traveling and going out to have a social life. Not to mention you have to have the temperament and the desire to do a lot of things out generation is doing like going to clubs and traveling.

[Anonymous]

Maybe take some college courses while you’re not working too