Help Me Get Over The Blues

[dragonxx21]

Hey guys. Lately I've been pretty down so to speak. Honestly, it's not in my intention to sound whiny or seem like an attention seeker whatsoever, just a disclaimer for any trolls. I'm genuinely just trying to let some things out and get my mind off of the stress. Life is finally catching up to me I guess. I have to start thinking about post secondary, I have to figure out what I'm going to do with my life. It's really hard to grasp my mind around the concept that this is my final year of my 12 (or 13 for you people that count kindergarten) school life. I'm pretty torn right now between maintaining my academic grades and wanting to go out and make the best of my final year of high school. I've never been one to 'party hard', and I guess part of me just wants to experience it for once. At the same time, academics have been the focus of my life for as long as I can remember, and I fear letting my marks slip. Being the last year of high school, me and my friends have pretty much diversified our classes and only really share some classes which are required, so aside from hanging out during lunch time, I'm usually off on my own, whether catching up on school work or just reading. I've been getting pressure from my parents for a long time about figuring out what I want to do. I finally caved in and decided to take a course in my school which leads into a 4 year electrical apprenticeship. This was partially due to the fact that my father is an electrician and wanted me to become one as well, and the fact that the profession does interest me quite a bit. Anyway, I've been in a slump lately. My days really only consist of school, the occasional day of work, and lounging around the home. I've thought about picking up a hobby but there's not really much I'm interested in, and most hobbies of mine only really last for a couple of months. So what about you guys? How's life been? Have you ever gone through something similar to what I'm going through?

TL;DR: Growing up too fast. Don't know what to do. I'm in a slump.

[Puddsy]

1) There's nothing wrong with hanging out by yourself every now and then. I'm super introverted, so I pretty much spend all of my time alone, either reading (currently Brave New World), doing homework, playing video games, or programming (sidenote: if you know how to program reddit bots, PM me).

2) You mostly just seem bored. Break your routine and do something cool. Even if that means "go see grandma," you'll probably feel a little better afterwards.

3)I would be excited if I were you. Being an electrician sounds badass.

[tp4tissue]

The world is made small by the internet..

There really isn't much left "un-seen".   Even at your young age...

Years ago.. people needed money to travel, money for sex w/ women, money for alcohol..

The internet is an almost zero cost- substitute for travel and sex...


The last part well, given current production capacity... while demand inelastic, alcohol is dead cheap..



This leads the new fiberops generation to a convergence point where life as an INDIVIDUAL ends very early.



The logical progression of your development from here on, would be community-goals... you'll have to figure out where you'd like to put your energy..


What you are feeling isn't the "blues".. it's the END of your progress to simply please yourself...  that is to say as an individual... you are already completely fulfilled...

Welcome to being an adult.

[tp4tissue]

Another example I can give you is...

You've reached the Lvl Cap in the RPG of life...

Now you need to join a guild, and do community raids and such...

[Puddsy]

The world is made small by the internet..

There really isn't much left "un-seen".   Even at your young age...

Years ago.. people needed money to travel, money for sex w/ women, money for alcohol..

The internet is an almost zero cost- substitute for travel and sex...


The last part well, given current production capacity... while demand inelastic, alcohol is dead cheap..



This leads the new fiberops generation to a convergence point where life as an INDIVIDUAL ends very early.



The logical progression of your development from here on, would be community-goals... you'll have to figure out where you'd like to put your energy..


What you are feeling isn't the "blues".. it's the END of your progress to simply please yourself...  that is to say as an individual... you are already completely fulfilled...

Welcome to being an adult.

Show Image

BASK IN THE WISDOM OF T-GOD

[tp4tissue]

The world is made small by the internet..

There really isn't much left "un-seen".   Even at your young age...

Years ago.. people needed money to travel, money for sex w/ women, money for alcohol..

The internet is an almost zero cost- substitute for travel and sex...


The last part well, given current production capacity... while demand inelastic, alcohol is dead cheap..



This leads the new fiberops generation to a convergence point where life as an INDIVIDUAL ends very early.



The logical progression of your development from here on, would be community-goals... you'll have to figure out where you'd like to put your energy..


What you are feeling isn't the "blues".. it's the END of your progress to simply please yourself...  that is to say as an individual... you are already completely fulfilled...

Welcome to being an adult.

Show Image

BASK IN THE WISDOM OF T-GOD

[MKULTRA]

College is so much better than highschool.  Keep your head up bro.  Come on IRC.

[esoomenona]

I heard something yesterday that I've heard before, but had forgotten.

If you love what you do for a living, you never work a day in your life.

Think about that when making your decision. What do you really love? What could you do every day, and never get tired of?

[tp4tissue]

I heard something yesterday that I've heard before, but had forgotten.

If you love what you do for a living, you never work a day in your life.

Think about that when making your decision. What do you really love? What could you do every day, and never get tired of?

I am against this approach..

Doing what you love....  This almost always ends up simply an extension of self-fulfillment... and as I've describe prior..  In our modern world... That is so-very-easy...

Individual happiness has a biological limit...  there is cap on the chemical-happiness you can experience..


IF your only goal was to fill and top-off that meter each day in "doing what you love"...  this eventually desensitizes you..

My proposal is that you cast away this small-selfishness, and release yourself from the shackles the biological rewards system; of which is (oversimplified) a serotonin recycling plant...


Find truth.. delve into science.. explore the concord between nature and the human consciousness..



Trying to "be happy" is too small.. and it's ultimately shallow..   

How many times must the Kings and Empires be crippled upon Hedonism for all ya'lls  to see that Happiness is the succubus army of death...

[Input Nirvana]

I just

I heard something yesterday that I've heard before, but had forgotten.

If you love what you do for a living, you never work a day in your life.

Think about that when making your decision. What do you really love? What could you do every day, and never get tired of?

I am against this approach..

Doing what you love....  This almost always ends up simply an extension of self-fulfillment... and as I've describe prior..  In our modern world... That is so-very-easy...

Individual happiness has a biological limit...  there is cap on the chemical-happiness you can experience..


IF your only goal was to fill and top-off that meter each day in "doing what you love"...  this eventually desensitizes you..

My proposal is that you cast away this small-selfishness, and release yourself from the shackles the biological rewards system; of which is (oversimplified) a serotonin recycling plant...


Find truth.. delve into science.. explore the concord between nature and the human consciousness..



Trying to "be happy" is too small.. and it's ultimately shallow..   

How many times must the Kings and Empires be crippled upon Hedonism for all ya'lls  to see that Happiness is the succubus army of death...

Show Image

I jes wanna be happy.

[do_Og@n]

     Now I'm not a holy man by any means, but:

Ecclesiastes 8:15 - So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Isaiah 22:13 - But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! "Let us eat and drink," you say, "for tomorrow we die!"

     Life is perception....you will be how you perceive. Be happy, say happy, think happy, and you will be.

[tp4tissue]

     Now I'm not a holy man by any means, but:

Ecclesiastes 8:15 - So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Isaiah 22:13 - But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! "Let us eat and drink," you say, "for tomorrow we die!"

     Life is perception....you will be how you perceive. Be happy, say happy, think happy, and you will be.

The bible is all good stuff... but there are limited applications...  and there is much that it does not cover..

The passages you quoted..  yes, they are correct delineations of base needs..

However as a race, we're well beyond simply eating...


What is also required when interpreting the bible is precaution against corrupt-religious-propaganda.

Over-time, the church sought to control and TAME the believers, and since most of them were peasants, they effectively wrote some of the bible to govern SHEEP...

Given our advance information network,  there may not be very many sheep left in the future..  How do we live in "THIS" world..

The bible has NONE of that... 

[dragonxx21]

Thanks everyone for your words. I guess I should probably just worry a little less about things.

[YoungMichael88]

Post-secondary education is a major step foreword. If you're not sure about what you want to do with the rest of your life, there is absolutely NO shame in taking a year off and testing the waters of full time work. Even/especially if you work a ****ty job for a year. At the very least you will come out of it with the motivation to do more with your life and some cash to help you afford school. I know that parents can definitely pressure you to do certain things and its because they really care for you but this is YOUR LIFE. That does not mean you should rebel. They have literally been there and done that, but just know that they have no idea what modern schooling/job markets are like these days (unless they do, I don't know your family history). The electrical program however sounds like a great fit for you. You seem to enjoy it and your dad can definitely help to get you into a good starting position. Look on the bright side. You have your entire life ahead of you. Keep your head high and be confident in all your life decisions.

Cheers

[rowdy]

MX blues are over-rated anyway.

Try Thorpe!

[noisyturtle]

1. Good grades in high school by no means ensure you getting into a good school. I know plenty of folks who slacked off in HS and attended top colleges with the right recommendations and entrance essays/materials.

2. Grades in college are meaningless. Employers who check someones GPA are few and far between (at least in my experience)

3. College degrees are quickly becoming pointless wastes of money, and employers will many times choose someone with 4 years experience over a 4 year degree.

4. Taking a year or two off to find yourself is quite common, and can mean the difference between happiness and a lifetime of regret.

[Oobly]

Take a year off to travel or a combination of work / travel. Really broadens your horizons and you usually meet some very interesting people. It gives a much larger perspective of the world and your own place in it. Highly recommended.

IMHO, you will have a much better idea of what you want to do with your life afterwards and what to study or even if you want / need to study further. Who knows, maybe you'll do the same electrician course you plan to do now, but you'll be a lot more settled about the decision being your own and not your dad's.

for tp: There is a big difference between momentary gratification (chemical high) and deep happiness. They both have their place, but deep happiness is actually a worthy pursuit (and is mostly an internal thing, not governed by external factors even though they affect it). You've got to get at least some satisfaction from your work to attain this, IMHO. People need to feel their life and work have some value or meaning in order to be satisfied. The bible verses were quoted completely out of context and are certainly not meant as a guideline for living! There is a whole lot in there about not being sheeple and doing things your own way. People have used it too long and too much as a means of control, when it's actually all about freedom.

[iri]

tl;dr switch to clears

[cactux]

Man you are so young and you are full of energy, do not worry about what comes next. Take one step at the time. Just pay attention and learn from your mistakes. Never give up. Take a brake when the things are getting ugly, go watch a movie, change air, stay away from  drugs and pseudo friends and you will be okay. Be your self and do not try to please the others. if you are happy working in a restaurant go for it, or if you want to be president work for it.

The sky is your limit

[cactux]

Work hard and do well and I will send you a Topre Clack as a reward for your hard work. Please do not forget to send me a PM at the end of your semester. I hope this will bring you some extra punch for the end of this semester ;-)

[SpAmRaY]

MX blues are over-rated anyway.

Try Thorpe!

^^  I gotta say when I read the title I thought that's what this was going to be about

But to OP we all have out times in life when we look around and think to ourselves, 'What the heck am I doing, Where am I, Where am I going?'

Sometimes you have to do crap you don't like to realize what you do like, and often the crap work prepares you for things in the future.

[PointyFox]

You're going to spend the next 15 years trying to find something to do to make money now; and it's going to really suck until you do.


You need to find something that:

1. You want to do.
2. You are able to do.
3. You can make a living doing.
4. You can get approval to do.

#4 is the hardest part.  You may need approval from learning institutions, employers, your family, the state, banks, the government, or all of the above.  Every time you come to a roadblock you need to go back to #1 and find something else you want to do.

[Lighthouse1]

I think it's worth remembering that although decisions and direction seem endless and stretching away into your vast post school age / lifetime, nothing you do now needs to be forever and nothing can't be changed.

I've served as an Army Officer, done Aid work, travelled around and now work in IT and the skills and qualifications for different roles have been many and various and a lot acquired along the way. I wouldn't have said I'd be doing what I do now when I was at University or doing my Masters (indeed my current job has nothing to do with my qualifications from Uni / postgrad at all, they couldn't be further away).

You need to consider laying a few foundations in terms of qualifications and life skills but there is nothing stopping you changing direction later and finding something that suits you better. Don't feel if you don't make the best decision now that it will have consequences in 50 years time..its in your control and like eating an elephant you don't have to dine on the whole beast at once. You might be inspired by something else later so leave a little room for expansion.

If you can, enjoy yourself now, it's a fact you will look back on these days and probably think 'great times'. I remember when I was at Uni and about to go to Sandhurst I thought 'My God I will be doing this for 30 years!' and imagining everything I did was for life. But everything you do is life instead, if that makes sense.

Don't pressure yourself into thinking you need to figure out what to do with your whole life..think about what you want next with an eye on investment in the future and it will maybe seem a bit more manageable. Some people will envy you the freedom to make all those decisions again..if you flip feeling down on its head a bit you could consider you have a book you haven't written in yet. How awesome really.

[dragonxx21]

Wow... I was never expecting this kind of support and these kinds of comments. It reminds me of why I'm still around geekhack, a little over two months since I signed up. I originally came for keyboard information, but stuck around due to the community and the kind helpful people. Thank you to everyone for your helpful words and your opinions on life. Right now, taking a year off of school doesn't seem like a possibility. I'm currently going through a high school program which transitions directly into a 4 year electrical program, as I've mentioned in the original post. Although, after the first year, it is totally up to my own discretion as to when I want to take the next 3 years, or take time off to work. It works out well as taking the program pays for my first year course, as well as tuition, and I am basically guaranteed a scholarship just for taking the program. It doesn't seem like student debt will ever be a problem for me, as I found out a few months ago that my parents have been setting aside money for my schooling and I have more than enough money to pay for the 4 year program. Thanks to reading all of your thoughts on the matter, I think my mind has been cleared a little, and I think I can relax a little bit without stressing too much about the future. All of you guys are the reason I'm still around geekhack, so really, thank you.

[rowdy]

MX blues are over-rated anyway.

Try Thorpe!

^^  I gotta say when I read the title I thought that's what this was going to be about

But to OP we all have out times in life when we look around and think to ourselves, 'What the heck am I doing, Where am I, Where am I going?'

Sometimes you have to do crap you don't like to realize what you do like, and often the crap work prepares you for things in the future.

And sometimes you just need to stop and laugh at things, laugh at yourself, sing a bit.

Try to have a nice thought in your mind as you fall asleep - it will help start the next day in a more positive frame of mind