[ace333]

I have been feeling very unfulfilled in my life lately. I'm about to turn 29 in a few weeks. I hate my job. My life is boring and sad. Sex life is barely there. I feel exhausted and constantly busy...but I'm not. I basically live paycheck to paycheck and never can seem to get ahead no matter how much I try.
What can I do to stop feeling this? I know there are people who have it worse than I do, and I feel guilty even feeling as bad as I do. What can I do to change?

[Travelinglady]

Hi, ace333! I just heard recently that getting close to 30 can be rough. (I don't remember .)

Do you think you might be depressed? That can cause tiredness. Is there any way you can get a different job? Are there hobbies you might get into? Get more exercise even by walking and just trying to enjoy the scenery?

What did you see your life like by the time you were 29? What's different than you expected?

How about "talking" with us more as friends? Friends can help make life more fulfilling.

I am a 62 year old lady on disability with all sorts of health challenges and coming here gives me some purpose (such as helping people), socializing, etc.

How about planning some trips--even small ones? You say you like to travel in your profile. I find that fulfilling, as you can see by my name

[MickeyCheeky]

Do you have any hobbies? Any passions?

[Open Eyes]

Actually, the way you feel is very common in that for a lot of people they do live pay check to pay check and they are not very happy and fulfilled in their jobs. One of the things you can do is look into taking some courses that can add to your skills where you can get a step up in your career path. At least you have a job, this is makes you more marketable especially if you look towards getting more skills that can improve your value as an employee. Remember, what you do now for work is just one thing you have on your resume of experience, you CAN always add to that it doesn't have to be the only path you can take in your life. Actually, age 29 is still young enough to look for ways to help yourself be more marketable in the jobs field overall as a lot of employers are looking for young and experienced and it's ALWAYS a plus when you can add into your resume that you make efforts to continue your education on your own too.

[Sunflower123]

All excellent responses. If you had a magic wand, what would you change? What if you made a list of how your life would look if you were fulfilled? From that list you could create realistic goals and actionable steps to get there. Think of each major area of your life when you do this exercise. You could also see a life coach to help you along. Best wishes.

[ace333]

When I was younger thinking bout how I want my life to be by now some things were to be married, but that's not a big stressed of mine. Owning a house, traveling. But I can't do either of those because lack of money. I live alone and pay everything myself in my tiny apartment. I suffer from allergies to the max....shots don't even help so I'm constantly sick and paying medical bills. I am depressed sometimes but not always I lost my dad last year I'm still not over it like I'd hoped I would be I feel stuck colder weather doesn't help either

[ace333]

I have a few hobbies but nothing helps nothing distracts and I just feel unfulfilled. It's hard to explain. I know I'm not where I thought I would be at w9 but I almost don't even care about that I just want to fix it and I cant

[Sunflower123]

There is a type of depression that is low level and there is also one that is cyclical in nature. Do you think you could be experiencing either of these (especially with the loss of your dad)?

[ace333]

I'm not sure I just feel anxious all the time and question my life , and life choices. And then feel guilty at the thought that others have it way worse than me and I can't break it no matter what I try. I've been to counseling multiple times but it doesn't help

[Travelinglady]

Do you have time for a second job or some hobby that could earn you extra money? That might help.

[ArcheM]

Well, I turned 29 in July, in a similar situation, and it was rough. I've been learning to (what feels like) trick my brain to only consider the current situation, without dwelling on the past or distant future, and various other psychological techniques. I mean, what else can I do? Feeling bummed about things is certainly not going to help anything... Not that I've stopped feeling sad at all. And in the vein of living in the present almost spent all my savings... Anyway, I think the tricks come in the category "mindfulness" (unless it's all meditation). Although some folks just get into meditation to find themselves at this age. But I just can't. Brain too highwired.

[Minnow]

Maybe try to plan your day or week so you spend time with a friend or two. Grab a coffee or just talk. Try not to isolate yourself and don't just grab your friend to have a pity party. Exercise will help a ton too. It's the best drug there is to help with depression and it's free. Go for a long walk or jog and maybe listen to music. Try to get moving. Your feel empowered by exercise and any form will do.