Hi.

I'm M18. I've been rotting in my room for an entire year after high school ended. My parents want me to go to college but I can't make myself focus on studying no matter how much effort I put into it.

I don't know what degree I want, and I don't know if I even want to do anything at all. I've been battling with depression since 12 and I just can't see a path forward. My mind keeps making excuses for why I shouldn't do things, even though I know for sure that I should be pulling my shit together ASAP. My parents can't afford to have me being a dead weight forever, and I know I'm wasting my time, BUT I JUST CAN'T MAKE MYSELF DO ANYTHING

I'm autistic and have a bunch of sensibilities. I've tried finding jobs around me (rural Brazil) but most of them are manual work and I'm not entirely suited for that stuff (sorry if it sounds like I'm making excuses). I'm still looking but so far I've had no luck.

I'm studying the possibility of moving out to live with my dad somewhere else, but so far that's not happening.

TL;DR: common post-high-school panic

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [S] 4 points 3 days ago

This really means a lot to me, so thanks man.

My first suggestion would be to learn a trade. We have far too few people in the trades, and they are often some of the lowest bars of entry, and your upfront costs for educations are far lower and pay for themselves quickly. Something hands on, interesting to you and no where near as academic as college. You could apprentice as an electrician, plumber, or hvac installer or go to school for culinary arts, welding, cosmetics, drafting, etc. These forms of education may be more interesting as you are actually doing something while learning, and you can often walk out with a certification and a job offer.

I agree, yeah. I'm not sure if it makes sense, but trades seem much less "otherworldly" to me than college degrees, in a way. Maybe because they're more practical, like you said.

Again, thank you so much. I actually saved your comment for future reference.

  • source
  • parent