Growing up and being independent.

Hi guys, sorry if this is something more for just bugs me ,but with it dying and...whatever.

I was discussing with my parents while we went out to dinner for new years, about the fact that I'm almost finished with my 3rd year of college, I just have a semester or two to go (I'm in a community college and I care more about getting my classes done than what year I'm in) and it just struck me.

I'm not even fucking 10% ready for the real world. I still feel lie I'm in highschool, and I have not put any effort into being an adult. I'm too afraid to drive so I dont have my own liscense, I never have had a job yet, and I just stay at home playing games, or sometimes have my friends visit me or I visit them at the college. But I'm getting near the point where I need to make my portfolio for 3D animation, and start looking for a job and become a real adult. I'm going to be 21 soon and I still feel like I'm 16.

And the worst part is, I'm happy with this scenario, I'm very comfortable right now, and dont want it to end, even though I know it will. I'm not sure if I'm asking for advice or just ranting but its driving me insane, I dont know if others have had this problem and found ways out, but I'm not too sure what I myself can do. I've said all the standard stock phrases to myself (Everyone has to grow up eventually, you have to do things you dont like sometimes, etc) but I just cant find myself getting motivated at all. Instead all I'm finding is a panic attack.

Is there anyone who had a situation like this before? Sorry if this is not what this thread is for, and feel free to delete it.

I can't say I really understand that. I mean, I did miss my high school years after they were gone, but I joined the military specifically to get the hell away from home and out on my own. Not a course of action I'd recommend to everyone.

I will say, try and get into some job interviews, as it's good practice for when you need to do it for real. Also, learn how to cook, clean, and do your own laundry (if you haven't already). One of the funniest and saddest things I saw was a guy who, in training three months after joining, was mailing his dirty clothes home for his mom to wash and mail back to him.

I was in a vaguely similar situation. I ended up going to an out-of-state university and starting ROTC. That was just this year, but thus far I think it was a great choice.

It's not the same as enlisting (not by a lo-o-o-ong shot), but it's the same basic idea.

I'm in a similar situation, except that I'm about to start an undergraduate research job in college. I've had my learners' permit for almost four years, but I don't feel like getting a license.

College feels exactly like highschool, except that it's harder to make friends since everyone has a different schedule and there's not much time to talk in class. Presumably everyone socializes at the stereotypical teen parties all the time.

I'm in a similar situation I guess, but I'm much better than I used to be. Mainly because the course I really, really wanted was only offered at a campus that was too far away to drive to everyday, so I was pretty much forced to move out. I'm now better at looking after myself than I used to be, but I still panic about financial things and paperwork. Don't understand them.

edited 31st Dec '10 11:14:22 PM by LoniJay

And this is why I think everybody should work hellish hours for a while before getting their bachelors degree.

Meh, not really. I got plenty of people who basically did nothing during high school that are incredibly successful now.

The key to independence is getting a job. After that, all the little things you can pick up over the months slowly, your only real issue is money. It can take a while to get a 3d animation job (months to years, who knows), so I wouldn't be too discouraged early on. You can file like a hundred resumes, only get like 5 interviews and get zero job offers, it's very typical. Internships/co-op positions are your best shoe-in at many companies. It let's them see if you're good and it's cheap for them, while you get experience (if not much money) and let's you build connections to get a full time job.

The key to independence is doing things for yourself. It 's easier if you aren't living with people who are willing to do things for you, like in a dorm or on your own, rather than at home, but the skill comes from the doing, not where you're doing it.