I’m 18 years old and extremely behind in everything. One of my problems is that I haven’t even graduated high school yet, so this year I’m trying to do online school. The main reason that I’m so behind in school is because when my dad got diagnosed with cancer I no longer had transportation because he was hospitalized and had to go through many crucial surgeries. I told the school about transportation issues to my counselor, assistant principal, and even some of my teachers and they all said the same thing which is that they were going to see if they can get a bus to my neighborhood and that never happened. Also the nearest bus route would’ve made me hours late to school. So I had no choice but to stay in the hospital with my dad and miss weeks and weeks of school. This was hard for me because I had good grades and was going on the right track to graduating.
Another problem is that im literally 18 years old now meaning I am legally an adult. The problem with this is that my mother kinda has thinks it’s over for me and that I should just stop trying to graduate and get a regular full time job, so she doesn’t help me with anything which is hard because I don’t have a car or anything to get back and forth without her. My dad was discharged after months but he has throat cancer and also an trach tube in his throat to help himself breathe and was told that he cannot work by his doctors. This is important because my dad needs money to make it to chemo and doctor appointments and also wants to help me. so he wants to work but even doing small tasks like walking to the car makes him out of breath. So what im trying to say is financially we are not doing well at all and that extremely overwhelming became I want to help my dad.
I’ve enrolled into online school for this year because obviously I can’t afford to go to in person school anymore. And for the past 4 to 5 months I’ve been looking for an part time job that close by my house that I can walk to and I’ve applied to honestly at least 10 jobs and visited 3 and only got one interview and got denied. I’m trying so hard just to keep myself afloat but I’m constantly worrying about my dad, affording rent to stay here, graduating, and being able to afford necessities. I’m just so drained and I want to give up entirely but can’t.
I wanted to graduate high school so that I can join the military which has always been my dream but I can’t even get my life together right now. I’m so afraid because in an instant I could be on my own homeless because I don’t have a good relationship with mother and since I’m 18 I am no longer her responsibility so she doesn’t need to let me stay with her. I am 18 no car, no job, no diploma, no money. Like seriously why am I even trying? Everything I do just fails and I’m so tired but I keep trying everyday waiting for God to bless me but it seems like things keep getting harder and harder. My life feels like it’s over no matter what I do nothing helps me. I’m seriously trying to get my life together but nothings changing things only ever get worse for me.
Comments
Calm down; find ways to finish school or get your GED, then seek out jobs so that you can afford a car, or join the military…
It’s not a race. Some people take longer to find their way in life.
I felt that way at ome point too lemme tell u this ur life aint even started yet ur still in baby steps dont take offense its not meant its true youll find again at 30 ur still a baby in understanding to 50 and so on just live it
This feeling of hopelessness is not forever, I promise. Take it one battle at a time and the rest will fall into place. I was 18 2 years ago addicted to every drug on the planet with no hope for the future, and now I’ve been sober for months, with 2 full time jobs and more friends than I could imagine before. School is not for everyone, there are bridging courses and other pathways into a higher education if that’s your focus. The job market is fucked but I’ve found personal success in targetting smaller businesses as they typically have less candidates for a job position so you have less competition. You will get past this.
I can tell you’re a good person from how much you care about your Dad and there’s no doubt that you will find your way thru this challenging time. Dealing with a loved one with cancer is overwhelming, and your Mom must be overwhelmed too. It may seem weird but try and extend compassion to yourself as well as her. Watch your thoughts and self-talk. Add the word “yet” to your story-I haven’t done_____yet. You’ll get there🙏🏼
You’re not alone, and it’s NOT over.
> I’m seriously trying to get my life together but nothings changing things only ever get worse for me.
Focus on 1 thing, your GED. Seriously. It’s a small win that opens doors. Many jobs & the military will accept a GED
You are not behind anything and you are blessed to still have your dad 🙏
Life is a journey the only goal posts that exist are the ones we make up in our mind .
Slow down and believe in yourself ‼️
For more support, I’d suggest you join the church. They will be filled with small business owners and opportunities to network and find employment.
This is where you meet your community
The GED or online diploma and have a lot of value and is worth pursuing ,
Take it one day at a time plan a little roadmap and achieve each step one at a time and they may not be in the perfect order
Best of luck to you
you’re not a failure. life hit you hard, but you’re still pushing and that matters. focus on finishing school first if you can, even if it’s slow. one step at a time. don’t try to fix everything all at once or you’ll burn out.
I’m 47 years old and even I feel like I can pivot my life a different way as needed. At 18 years old you can nearly do anything if you commit. Think about where you want to be in 5-10-15 years and do whatever it takes. The trades is a great thing for people to make decent $ fast, get exercise, build confidence, and learn skills that will save you so much money in the future.