Career Options?

(22 y/o female) Hey! First time poster. I was wondering if anyone has any good insight on career options. I've always, always had issues with occupational functioning. Mostly calling out at the last minute from the anxiety/anticipation. I also have BPD which can sometimes result in unpredictable emotional episodes (crying, dissociation).

I want to live comfortably. I don't want to just "get by" (financially). The next paragraph is a bit of background info on me personally - it's not necessary to read but would help with giving an answer that is suited for me personally.

I have done 4 years of neuroscience at a state university. During the last 2 of them (2021-2023), my mental health absolutely rocked me (Because of BPD, I am depressed at baseline but these years shattered me). This resulted in many withdrawals - more withdrawals than actual classes taken. I am tired, my spirit is shattered, and at this point my dreams are unattainable. I have to start over. I've accepted that it was simply not the path I was intended to take.

I'm tired. I'm in debt. I'm disappointed.
I've been in school for 16 years.

I know you don't need an education to make decent money, but I don't know how, or what. I've always been interested in the sciences, which I can only pursue with education. Right now I dog walk/sit/board, and it's good pocket money but I can't live off of it or add to my savings.

I know this was a super long post so if you've read this far, thank you. I hope you all know peace and love.

I am sorry you are bearing this heavy burden. How heartbreaking.

Hopefully other members here will have some good ideas for you for I am at a loss.

During my working years I was a high paid advertising executive and quit to take a very low paying job shelving books at a public library because of my mental illness. So I am the last person on earth to advice.

I do want to tell you that I think I have a little bit of understanding of what you might be going through and that my heart goes out to you. Sure hope you find something that works for you!

Wow I'm so sorry. Is it because you are no longer interested in neuroscience or is it school itself? Are you only interested in getting a degree or are you interested in starting your own business? It really depends what you want. Either path can easily lead to a comfortable life. It really depends who you are, what are your core desires. As you know starting a business takes time, but if you keep it up you will succeed. I don't know if you have any interest, but may on the side you could start a youtube channel about neuroscience. I follow a lot of scientists on youtube such as Sabine Hossenfelder. Social blade says she's making $17.5K/month (assuming $4 CPM, which seems reasonable for her nitche). Also on her patreon page it says she's making $6,277/month. Yes it takes a long time to get there, but there are plenty new youtube channels that make enough to live on after 4 to 6 months of hard work. It is possible for a channel to quickly grow if you make well thought out professional quality videos. Anyhow, just a thought. Keep searching. You'll find what you're looking for!

Hi, sorry that you are dealing with this difficult situation.
Maybe, you will get more insight in BPD forum since you were diagnosed with the disorder.
Some people with BPD have avoidant traits but your subtype in BPD is what explain the avoidance.
So, as long as you work on your disorder, the other manifestations will be milder.
Are you following some kind of therapy for BPD?