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I have no idea what to do with my life

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21–30 of 55 posts

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#22
Try taking a break. Things have followed a fixed path for you, maybe a bit of meandering will help. Chase some new experiences. Youth is the best time to do it. And given that you have money it will be even better. Go climb the 8000 meter tall Himalayas, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, cross the Sahara desert. Do anything you want. Maybe a bit of adventure, maybe some relaxing in nature. I like remembering the lyrics of Pink floyds song "Breathe" when such thoughts cross my mind:

"Long you live and high you fly

Smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry

And all you touch and all you see

Is all your life will ever be"

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#23
I suggest seeing both a professional psychiatrist (medical doctor) and psychologist (therapist). These feelings and emotional states can quickly get out of control, and it's best to get a handle on them ASAP from professionals.

> I tried studying math, buying drones, microscopes, and lots of other side hobbies

I am not sure what else you've tried, but these are all technocratic activities. Try something that quite literally grounds you. I would suggest things along the lines of gardening (your own garden or as a volunteer) or volunteering at Habitat for Humanity or other volunteer opportunities or martial arts. Humans are not evolved to be surrounded by and inundated with modern technology. We are evolved to move, touch dirt, and use our mind, body, and senses as one. Find something that connects you with other people, where they may even depend on you, and also connects you with the ground and nature. Many places need volunteers for a variety of work, which can often be fulfilling and create situations where people depend on you, which will help create drive.

As someone who deeply struggles with the philosophical questions that arise out of living in this world, I find it is best not to dwell on things like purpose. Out of all the questions we have about the universe, how would "answers" even help? If someone were able to tell you your purpose, if such a thing could exist, how would it affect you or change things? A good thing to learn is being content. You are this being in this world, nothing more and nothing less, and so the best way to live your life is to live it and stop thinking about living it.

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#26
I feel the same way. In my case I have no love interest so I can at least pretend that that will help (it won’t). If you’re like me then it’s a near certainty that none of the suggestions here will help. I don’t have anything to offer. Im suffering with you. Alone.

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#27
I've been through a similar phase. Cutting down on the things you don't feel like doing is already a good first step.

Then, like many have commented already, it always helps to find a group of people to talk to and to do so some activities with them. It doesn't have to be an ongoing everyday intensive meetups, chatting, and activities. But finding people with whom you have common interests does help a lot in sparking ideas, inspiring you to figure new things out, challenging you to get out of your comfort zone, and eventually to figure know yourself better and what you like to do.

When I was in your situation, I was already on twitter, and my behavior reflected in a way where I was constantly picking fights with everyone. When I took a step back, and did some introspection, I noticed that I was being unnecessarily aggressive because I was frustrated.

So I changed the way I used twitter, and this helped me meet like minded people, some of whom I got the chance to meet in person, and many others with whom I connected virtually.

The opportunities are endless, and it doesn't have to be an in-person group. All it takes is to find what your interests are, and to look for other nice people who share the same interests as you. With time you'll grow, learn new things, and feel more satisfied. Hope this helps. Mucho ánimo.

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#28
I'm in a similar financial position, but a few years older and having the time of my life.

What works for me:

- I went to great lengths to reduce my computer time, and particularly mindless scrolling. I am also careful with video games and other time killers. These are fast food for the mind.

- I reintroduced idle time. I leave the internet out of the bedroom and enjoy quiet breakfasts on the balcony. This is where ideas take hold.

- I cook, I garden, I fix cars, I build stuff, I draw. Active or participative hobbies are absolutely essential. You gotta mold your world, not merely pass through it like a ghost.

- I explore a lot. I've explored most of my area on a bicycle, and most of Europe on a motorcycle. There's an endless world I've seen none percent of. I never regretted exploring more of it.

- I really sweat the small stuff. I try to make the ordinary things matter, and to appreciate the little rituals. I like fresh flowers, candlelight reading, tea time, sunset beer, bicycle picnics, fancy breakfasts and many other things. These are a good outlet for all your spare time.

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#29
I feel this from time to time. I found that I needed to separate pleasure, work and leisure. I do random stuff for pleasure, which does not lead to any meaningful result at work. But it makes me feel that I am learning something.

I work for money. I do not necessarily derive pleasure from work but it pays the bills. I try not to work at high pressure environments.

For leisure, I have friends who just like to chit-chat, relax and play some games or go on hikes. We rarely discuss work. I love that about my friend circle that I can totally disconnect from my personal problems and work pressure and just relax.

I think you need to take it easy on yourself and take a 2-4 weeks time off from everything. Relax and decide what is important for you.

Re: I have no idea what to do with my life

#30

I started making music. I picked guitar and electronic music production. It seems to be the nexus of all the things I found interesting in my life: creativity, esoteric knowledge, geometry and mathematics, language, technicality. I never thought I’d go down the music path seriously but now it’s the only thing I can generate a sense of purpose from and I am enjoying it. Music is the perfect universal thing to unify al…

This is not relevant to OP but I am wondering if you can share how you went about learning electronic music production. Any good resources or advice?

Some random advice in no particular order.

* Music production on the PC can be really cheap, almost for free, but it can be really overwhelming and hard to figure out where to start.

* The hardware synth (dawless) route can be a deep rabbit hole leading to GAS (gear aquisition syndrome). Resist.

* Music is more about intervals, the distances between notes, than about the notes themselves. Let this sink in.

* If I were to only buy one piece of gear at all, I'd buy the Synthstrom Deluge. Really immediate, easy to get into and still deep and powerful. This the device you want.

* If the Deluge is out of your budget, get a used Novation Circuit on Craigslist.

* The limitations hardware synths have, can be a challenge sparking creativity. Embrace the limitations.

* Layers.

* Don't fill up all the space. Deliberately leave some room.

* Record everything.

* There are no wrong notes. There is only tension and release. Tension can be good. It is interesting. Learn to build tension and how to release it. Practice.

* Don't overthink it. Practice. Better to knock out a bunch of shitty or mediocre tracks than thinking about that one smash hit you never make.

* Modular is a money grave. VCVRack is for free. Omri Cohen is your best friend in this realm. Bespoke synth gives you even more freedom.

* Music theory is helpful if you understand that it is only a lighthouse. You can still go whereever you want.

* Start here if you are a computer nerd: https://eev.ee/blog/2016/09/15/music-theory-for-nerds/

* Start here if you are afraid of Music theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoeHDN2FVTc

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