33 is really not old. Even if you chose to go back to school you are not old at all. It can be frustrating when you aren’t satisfied. And it’s hard for many to decide myself included. I am 44 and plan to go back for a change. I know the struggling with deciding is daunting.

Thank you for your kind words. The problem is I don’t even know what to do with my life, let alone where to start. I hope the change you make is for the better.

My main suggestion is just start randomly researching things. For moment I can’t do much as far as change but I am researching for when I can. I just need a change!

you just told some of my story for sure.....I hear you about that...I could have been better....I did escape reality hard into alcohol and drug use....so that became a down fall with a happy ending of now 27yrs sobriety but what have I accomplished? I never was happy in my career as a teacher....I went got masters in media communications to sell textbooks but the job just never appeared...2 interviews in 7yrs....nope did not get either....I bounced job after job to point my shrink said go back onto disability...I had worked my way out of disability as a teacher....but the hops and humps of searching new jobs sucked the wind out of my sails and I did go onto disability,,,,then get an AA sponsor who says get off disability....he wants me active and I am not interested in being active....I think I am just here today to fill space, suck air, and when time comes die and be forgotten for all time....

does that sound like a good case of depression? I think it does....I take med for help with depression....it at least keeps me from wanting to end my own life.....

sorry to be debbie downer tonight but your post hit me as so much where I was and seeing where I am now I know I have not got the strength to make changes that would allow any major changes in my existence.....I am not unhappy but yes it is a non ecstatic existence within a deep depression....
I am old enough now that every day could be my last....and I live one day at a time which is why I am not unhappy....unless I have a bad day kind of like yesterday in fighting with my gf....then so far no sleep tonight and no desire to talk to gf now and thinking maybe forever....that sucks....puts me back at alone again....naturally....

sorry to steal your thread.....I hope you get something solid to start looking forward to every day.....be it a man or a job or a pet or a child whatever.....something for you would be nice...if I could give it I would.....hugs bill

I think we all feel that way at some point in life. In the end you have do what makes you happy. Try taking a day and think of what you really enjoy doing and then just do it. It may not be easy at first but if you believe your meant to do that thing it will work out for you.

Billwfriend, don’t worry about sounding like a Debbie downer. You’re not. You’re just expressing yourself, I’m proud of you for staying sober. It shows you are really strong.
Les-than-zero, you are right, I need to just sit in my room or somewhere relaxing and think hard about what I want to do. I have to relive the memory of my life to see what brought me joy. I also need to come to terms with what happened. It’s now or never, thank you all.

I didn't know what I wanted to "do with my life" until, in the process of living, I fell into a chance to "cover for Susie while she is out". Little did I know that Susie had my dream job. And now I have my dream job.

If I had waited until I figured out my purpose in life, I would probably still be frustrated, unfulfilled and unhappy.

Live, and life comes to you.

There is an actual test that you can take to figure out what occupation you would be good at. Actually now I am remembering a book that used to be updated at times called What Color Is My Parachute? It helps you to learn more about what you would be good at. I think if you go to a job agency, they could help you with all of this. There were points in my 38 year career as a legal secretary that I looked for a change. At one point, I wanted to open a Bakery specializing in cookies and coffees. I had made and sold baked goods in the past. But then I realized how I would have to work crazy hours. I went on Monster and got a temporary position at a very large law firm. At one point, I got assigned to an attorney who was a difficult man. But I was at my absolute best until a medicine change changed my world. To this day I am affected. There are so many occupations out there. Maybe go on Indeed and see what's out there. You know you are good at something. What is it?

Hi arrows3,

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Depression is so awful, and I'm glad you have this support site. I can understand what you're saying. I had goals for myself that I didn't make (publish a novel, or at least a book of poetry, by age 30...then 40...then...), so that brings me down if I stop & think about them. And I know I could've done more with my life (yet still can) regarding education (but I could never find something that I really felt passionate about, career-wise). Volunteering/volunteer-work as a side thing can really be rewarding. volunteermatch.org is a good way to start looking. Otherwise, yeah....the gloom, grey void that is depression just gets in the way of everything, or a lot of things, at varying degrees with little to no warning. I hope you keep posting & sharing on here. We all benefit. :) <3

Jula hula I know that not knowing what we are passionate about regarding education is so frustrating. My brothers went to school and became electrical engineers. I often feel like a failure because I graduated with a communications degree and a minor in psychology. You’re right, volunteering is rewarding. I started going back to the gym today and felt great. I had enough of the down feeling. Either I change my perspective on life, or I’ll be doomed to repeat this viscous cycle forever. I do intend to post, I’m thinking of starting a blog. Something that chronicles my life. I’m going to be raw in it. No filter. Some stuff will be shocking but I feel that people don’t get into the details regarding their promiscuity, substance abuse, and the other stuff that goes along with manic episodes or depressive episodes. Thank you for replying to my post :)

I feel like I am reading about myself in your post. I am in the same exact situation and am also 33 years old. Maybe we can help each other out. I hate what I do for a living, it is literally killing me. I feel trapped because I don't know what other sort of career I could do (because I also feel like I am incapable of doing the 'hard' things) that would actually pay enough for me to live off of. What do you plan to do in your situation?