I have no idea what to do with my life

#1

Post by alirsgp » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 5:53 PM UTC

Some background: I'm 25, finished my undergrad 2 years ago. I went to work for a FANG straight out of college, and also was working on some social networking apps on the side that I started in college.

At some point my apps covered my living expenses and I decided to quit my job because I felt like it was sucking away my youth.

I make enough money every month to pay my bills, and I have a decent amount of savings.

I wake up everyday and want to work on something fulfilling, but don't know where to start. I feel like I have no more purpose in life and am not sure how to spend my time.

I know this is a ridiculous first world problem, but it bothers me a lot. I tried studying math, buying drones, microscopes, and lots of other side hobbies but I need something to wake up to in the morning that keeps me hungry.

I feel like I'm dying slowly and am not sure what to do.

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

#2

Post by sgt » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 5:57 PM UTC

Try getting a kid.

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

#3

Post by uniqueuid » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:02 PM UTC

sgt wrote: post #2

Try getting a kid.

But only if you're vaguely OK with a trip that lasts ~20 years and has no exit option.

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

#4

Post by adyashakti » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:03 PM UTC

Of course. You are at the stage of life when it is natural to inquire into the fundamental questions of life: Who am I? What am I? What am I here to do? What is the meaning of life? etc.

At that age, I was a successful studio musician. Like you, I found the prospect of continuing in that mode of life empty and distressing. Long story short, I found a guru and went to India to serve and learn from him.

Now in my mature years I derive great satisfaction, comfort and peace from what I learned and did. The great questions have been answered. There is no more fear or uncertainty in that regard. I now serve as a teacher for others, and they report similar experiences.

Sure there are lots of phonies in this business, but if you can find someone sincere, skilled and actually Self-realized, the benefits are unparalleled. Good luck.

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

#5

Post by t-3 » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:04 PM UTC

Nobody has any idea, and that's OK. We're all "dying slowly", one day at a time. You'll get over it. Have some fun, you're still very young and ideas will come with time and experience.

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

#6

Post by spython » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:06 PM UTC

You write that you've got decent economical success, but what about the social part? Did you manage to find 'your people'? Friends? People with whom you want to spend your time? Love interests?

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

#7

Post by johnny35 » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:16 PM UTC

This is not a first world problem it is the universal human problem of finding meaning in life. This question is the fuel that keeps religions running. There are myriad supposed answers and even more practitioners that would like you as a client and will promise the answers you seek. Use the motivation, time, and resources you have today to search for your own answers. Your mind and body should be as sharp as possible to allow you to take a path of strength rather than weakness, and to put it more simply, to be capable of resisting being taken advantage of. You'd be prudent to dial in your sleep, nutrition, and physical activity while you're in this phase. This won't last forever and you will end up with beliefs about the meaning (or meaninglessness) of life, so my advice is to put your thumb on the scale - by ensuring your body and mind are in good condition - and make it more likely you land on a personally empowered outlook.

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

#8

Post by hnrss » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:17 PM UTC

The contemporary world can be very isolating. Realizing that it's a systemic problem instead of an individual one is the first step to figuring out how you might go about finding something that will be personally meaningful. You might consider learning about meditation or joining a local yoga studio since that can be a good way to develop meta-cognitive skills to deal with feelings of isolation. It won't solve the systemic problems, that requires large scale cooperation and political effort, but it will help you get through a rough patch and give you time to think how you might contribute to solving the larger systemic issues.

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

#9

Post by alirsgp » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:17 PM UTC

spython wrote: post #6

You write that you've got decent economical success, but what about the social part? Did you manage to find 'your people'? Friends? People with whom you want to spend your time? Love interests?

Have a gf, but very bad social life. Not sure where to look. Do I move out of the bay area?

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

#10

Post by fidrelity » Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 6:24 PM UTC

Don't look outside for purpose, try finding it within.

Which things do have intrinsic value to you? Think of things you do that give your joy which can not be replaced with money. Those things don't have to be static until eternity. The hardest is probably to not 'do' anything and just feel joy and gratefulness for the present moment, whatever it is.

Congrats on escaping the hamster wheel, good luck in facing the bigger challenges of being human!