A lot of people have told me I'm not in the "real world" and I don't know what it is. That I won't be ready for it. While it's true I'd like to do more than just stay at home, I feel like The Real World is a bit of a sham. If I'm not in the real world where am I? It's not encouraging or motivating just disenheartening.

Once I get a job and/or go to college will my problems magically disappear? I might feel better about myself but there's not going to be a huge radical change. I'll still be the same person. And my mental illness will still be with me too. Plus I'll have more stressors related to money, debt, etc etc. Is this really ideal?

The Real World is a myth. By purporting it as something Scary and massive and full of responsibility makes it feel even more inaccessible. It's counterintuitive. I want to drop it entirely. I'm in the real world now, just struggling with things other people never think of. One day my position in the world will change. But I'm still a part of it. To be told otherwise is hurtful and alienating.