23, useless degree, no goals, direction or job experience. What do I do?
Hello all.
I am posting to see if anyone has any advice for getting a job with this specific set of problems.
I am a history bachelor’s graduate who just got out of college last summer and, after an extended and delayed move am in a new city and can’t find a job.
I have effectively 0 work experience. I worked in catering for like 3 months in High School, I did an internship in Tokyo in college and have been volunteering at a food pantry and tutoring kids in poorer parts of town when I can muster up the energy, which is becoming increasingly less often.
I just feel stuck. Idk if I even care about history much anymore. If I ever did beyond novelty and the occasional hyper fixation. I also may have no skills. I feel chemically incompetent.
I’ve tried to apply to sub teaching, plenty of dead ends. Tried admin assistant jobs and receptionist roles, no luck, most of them require bilingualism or experience. Applying to waiter positions too, no luck. Tried tailoring resumes and spamming them on indeed, again, no luck.
I also have a shit resume but I don’t know if it is or not. I don’t have a good frame of reference beyond probably bullshit advice from the internet and ChatGPT.
The biggest bottleneck rn is that I don’t have a license. Been putting it off for years because I’m a lazy moron. Will be fixing that hopefully this month or next.
Yes I know, I’m an idiot for ending up in this situation, I don’t think it needs to be reiterated. Parents didn’t let me work in HS or college, told me to focus on my grades and sense I have bad ADHD and Major and treatment resistant depression, I wasn’t eager to disagree.
Been unemployed for about 8 months now. Truthfully, there isn’t a single job in the world I’d want to do, but at this point I’ll take anything that isn’t hard labor, fast food, or retail as I’m in bad shape and McDonald’s/Walmart would actually make me strongly consider ending things.
Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?
Jobadvisor
First off, let’s clear the air: you are 23. I know it feels like the concrete has set on your life, but you’re effectively in the "tutorial phase" of adulthood. The "useless degree" and "no experience" tropes are rites of passage for about half of all liberal arts grads. You aren't uniquely broken; you’re just currently unoptimized.
The combination of ADHD and treatment-resistant depression is a heavy weight to carry while trying to build a life. It makes "simple" tasks feel like scaling a mountain. Let’s break this down into a pragmatic, low-energy-cost survival plan.
1. The Resume: Reframing "Nothing"
You mentioned you feel "chemically incompetent," but your background says otherwise. You did an internship in Tokyo. That is a massive talking point that shows adaptability and global literacy.
Tutoring/Volunteering: This isn't just "helping out." This is Program Coordination and Educational Mentoring.
The History Degree: It doesn't mean you know about the French Revolution; it means you can synthesize massive amounts of data, write clearly, and meet deadlines.
The Gap: You moved cities. That is a valid reason for a gap. "Relocated to [City] and currently seeking a long-term role."
2. Low-Barrier Jobs (Non-Retail/Fast Food)
Since you want to avoid hard labor and high-stress food service, look into these "hidden" entry-level roles that often overlook a lack of experience if you have a degree:
| Role | Why it fits | Where to look |
| Data Entry / Clerk | Low social battery required; ADHD-friendly repetitive tasks. | Local government listings, hospitals, insurance firms. |
| Night Auditor | You sit at a hotel desk at night. Very quiet, plenty of time to read or study. | Boutique hotels or chain motels. |
| Exam Proctor | Getting paid to watch people take tests. Extremely low energy. | Community colleges or professional certification centers. |
| Library Page/Asst. | Quiet environment, honors your degree background. | Municipal or university library sites. |
3. The "License" Bottleneck
You called yourself a "lazy moron" for not having a license. Stop that. Driving with ADHD and depression is intimidating. However, in most of the US, a license is the "Master Key" to employment.
The Strategy: Don't focus on "learning to drive." Focus on "passing the test." It’s a box to check. Once you have it, your "hireability" radius expands by miles.
4. Addressing the ADHD/Depression Loop
Applying for jobs while depressed is like trying to run a marathon with a flu.
The "One Thing" Rule: If you can’t "spam resumes," don't. Commit to one high-quality application a day. Or just opening the laptop.
Leverage the Degree: Since you have a BA, look into Remote Copy Editing or Content Moderation. These allow you to work from home on days when the depression makes leaving the house impossible.
A Reality Check (With Love)
You said there isn't a single job you want to do. That’s actually a superpower. If you don't have a "dream job," you aren't tied to a specific path. A job can just be a paycheck that funds your "hyper fixations" and keeps the lights on. You don't have to love it; you just have to not hate it.
19F from a small city in China. Dealing with family trauma, poverty, and depression—how do I find my way forward?
Hi everyone, I’m a 19-year-old girl from a small, underdeveloped city in China. I’m writing this because I feel lost and overwhelmed by the world, and I’m hoping to get some perspectives from people around the globe. To be honest, I have very little confidence in the future. The world is changing so fast, and I feel like I’m just being swept along by a massive tide, unsure of where I’m headed. My Background & Family Situation I grew up in the outskirts of a small city. My educational resources and general exposure have always been far behind those in developed areas. Despite this, I’ve always worked hard and managed to get into the best high school in my city. However, my home life is a nightmare. My father has been absent most of my life; he has a secret second family with a mistress and other children. While he provided some financial support in the past, he completely neglected us emotionally. He is now facing a 10-year prison sentence. My mother is uneducated, unemployed by choice, and has a history of violence toward me. Because I look and act like my father, she takes her resentment out on me. Two days ago, after she physically abused me, I finally called the police. Although there wasn't enough "evidence" for an arrest, the police intervention served as a warning. I also have a younger sister in middle school, but our relationship is very strained. The Academic & Financial Struggle Since my father was detained over a year ago, I haven't received a penny for living expenses. I’ve been working part-time to survive, but as anyone who knows about the Chinese Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) can tell you, it is nearly impossible to work and study for this exam simultaneously. I already took one gap year due to depression, and I’ve returned to my senior year now. Because I’ve been distracted by the need to earn money, I feel like this year has been wasted. I still plan to take the Gaokao this year, but I won’t make it into my "dream school." My plan now is to work and save money for another year and aim to start university in 2027. Looking for Advice on My Future I am currently a "Liberal Arts" student (my subjects are History, Politics, and Geography). Having grown up in poverty and without much love, my priority is financial independence. I want to know: What major should I choose to ensure a stable career? I’m worried that Liberal Arts might not be the best path for making money. I’ve discovered a strong interest in programming and I’m considering switching to a STEM field (Science/Tech) when I eventually apply for graduate school. I am hardworking and quick to learn. When I set my mind to something, I have an explosive amount of energy—for example, in middle school, I once lost 1/3 of my body weight (from 74.5kg to 51.5kg) in less than three months through pure willpower. Mental Health & Connection I’ve been struggling with clinical depression for six years. On the outside, people tell me I’m attractive and charismatic, but on the inside, the pain makes it hard for me to connect with people my age. I want to heal. I want to learn how to trust and build real friendships. Recently, things have started to feel a bit brighter. I’ve felt the urge to go outside, to read, and to learn again. My questions for you all: Given my background in Liberal Arts but my interest in coding, what career path or university major would you recommend for financial stability? How do you deal with the feeling of being "behind" in life due to family trauma? For those who have recovered from long-term depression, what helped you finally turn the corner and start connecting with others? Thank you for listening to my story. Any advice or kind words would mean a lot.
Jobadvisor
It takes an incredible amount of strength to call the police on a family member at 19, especially in a culture that heavily emphasizes filial piety. You aren't "behind"—you have been running a marathon with a 50kg weight on your back, and you are still standing. That "explosive energy" you mentioned is a survival mechanism, and it is going to be your greatest asset.
Here is a breakdown of how to navigate the transition from a Liberal Arts background to financial independence and mental healing.
1. The Strategy: Liberal Arts to STEM
In China’s current job market, the "Involution" (内卷) is real, and Liberal Arts degrees (文科) are facing a tough climb. Since you are already a Liberal Arts student for the Gaokao, you don't necessarily need to change your tracks now and risk failing.
The "Bridge" Major: Look into Information Management (信息管理) or Digital Humanities. These are often open to Liberal Arts students but involve database management and basic coding.
The "Cross-Graduate" Path: Many students in China "cross-考" (take the postgraduate entrance exam in a different subject). You can get your BA in something stable like English or Journalism (which sharpens your communication) while teaching yourself Python or C++ on the side.
Why Coding? If you have ADHD or a "hyper-fixation" personality, coding is excellent. It provides immediate feedback. If the code works, it works. It doesn't care about your family background or your past.
2. Dealing with the "Behind" Feeling
You feel behind because you are comparing your "survival mode" to other people's "easy mode."
Reframe the Gap: That gap year wasn't a "waste"; it was a tactical retreat to stay alive. In ten years, no employer will care if you started university at 18 or 21.
The "First Gen" Advantage: People who come from nothing and fight their way up have a "grit" that wealthy kids don't. That willpower you used to lose weight? Transfer that to your studies. You have "hunger," and hunger wins in the long run.
3. Financial Independence is Safety
In your situation, money isn't greed—it's distance. Distance from your mother and distance from the trauma.
Target Cities: Aim for universities in "Tier 1" cities (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) or strong "New Tier 1" cities (Hangzhou, Chengdu). These cities have more robust legal protections, better mental health resources, and much higher demand for tech-adjacent roles.
Part-time Work: Since you are "charismatic" and have good English/Liberal Arts skills, look into high-end private tutoring or freelance translation once you are in university. This pays significantly better than physical labor.
4. Turning the Corner on Depression
Healing from long-term trauma (especially physical abuse) isn't a straight line.
Low-Cost Connection: Don't try to "bond" with everyone. Find one or two "study buddies." Shared goals make connecting easier than "small talk," which can feel fake when you’re hurting inside.
Physical Distance: You will likely find that your depression improves significantly the moment you are living in a dormitory far away from your mother. You aren't "broken"; you are currently in a toxic environment. You can't heal in the same place that made you sick.
A Concrete Next Step
Since you have an interest in programming, don't wait until 2027. Download a free app like Mimo or use FreeCodeCamp on your phone during your breaks from Gaokao prep. Even 15 minutes a day will prove to your brain that you are capable of learning a new "language" and building a new life.
25 years old and no direction
I am 25 years old with a degree in computer science. I slacked off in school and did the minimum to graduate with a good GPA but did not work on projects and got no internships. After graduating, I spent about 6 months applying for tech jobs and didn't even get a single response, so I gave up. The only job I have had since graduating college was coaching hockey, and I quit about 8 months ago because it was just not something I wanted to keep doing and thought I could find something else. I spent about 3 months applying to every job I could find but got no responses, so I just gave up again.
Right now every day just feels like a waste and I am watching my 20s and my life fly by. I spend most days just lying in bed looking at a screen and it is miserable. I don't have many friends or hobbies. For years, I used to bury myself in weed, but recently have been able to slow down my use. I am fortunate enough to have a family that is willing to support me financially, but I hate the feeling a being a 25 year old child.
I have no skills, no discipline, and no idea what to do anymore. I have thought about going back to school but am not sure that will help. Also thought about joining the military but that seems like a huge commitment and it really scares me.
I know there's a part of me buried in there that wants to work hard and push myself to live a better life, but I can't seem to figure out how to start living.
Jobadvisor
It sounds like you’re caught in a "shame spiral." You feel behind, so you hide; because you’re hiding, you fall further behind, which makes you feel more shame. The fact that you’ve slowed down the weed use is actually a massive win—it means your brain is starting to want reality again, even if reality feels uncomfortable right now.
You have a Computer Science degree. You aren't "skillless," you’re just "unpracticed." A CS degree is one of the hardest credentials to earn; slacking or not, you finished it. That proves you have the cognitive hardware.
1. The "Military Lite" Approach (Building Discipline)
You mentioned the military scares you because of the commitment. You don't need a drill sergeant; you need a routine.
The "Non-Negotiable" Hour: Pick one hour a day where you are not allowed to be in bed or on a leisure screen. Use it for a "low-stakes" task: a walk, cleaning one room, or one coding tutorial.
Physicality: Since you coached hockey, you know how important physical output is. If you aren't moving your body, your brain will keep producing "stagnation chemicals." Start with basic bodyweight exercises. It’s harder to feel like a "child" when you’re physically strong.
2. The CS Degree: Salvage Mission
The tech market is brutal right now, especially for those without internships. Applying to 1,000 jobs with a blank resume is a recipe for depression. Stop "spamming" and start "building."
The 30-Day Project: Don't look for a job yet. Spend 30 days building one tangible thing (a web scraper, a simple mobile game, a budget tracker). This gives you something to talk about other than your GPA.
The "Technical Adjacent" Pivot: If coding feels too heavy right now, look for Technical Support Tier 1 or Implementation Specialist roles. They require the degree but are much easier to land than Software Engineer roles. They get you into a professional environment and off the couch.
3. Career Paths with "Built-in" Direction
If you truly feel you can't self-start, look for roles that provide the structure you're lacking:
Tech Sales (SDR/BDR): If you’re charismatic enough to coach hockey, you can do sales. It’s high-energy, structured, and lucrative.
Government/Civil Service: Look at city or state IT jobs. They are often less competitive than Big Tech, offer great stability, and have clear career ladders.
Post-Grad Internships/Apprenticeships: Some companies (like LaunchCode or various "Returnship" programs) specifically help people who have the degree but missed the experience window.
The Reality Check
You are 25. If you started a brand new career tomorrow, you would still be "early" compared to most people. Your 20s aren't "flying by"—you are just in a long winter. The "25-year-old child" feeling ends the moment you take responsibility for one small part of your day.