I'm stuck

I probably talk too much about this... I don't know what to do with my life. I don't think what I'm studying right now (Languages) is the career I want to pursue for the rest of my life... I'm already struggling with some of the exams, and I really have no motivation overall. But I don't feel like I have any other alternatives:
-I like arts and film, but it's a tough job market, so I don't think I could find a job even with a degree;
-I also can't draw, so that's a significant drawback;
-I don't know what alternatives to pursue, since nothing else seems to interest me much...
-My university doesn't seem to have any tools or professional help that could help me decide;
-In general, I'm no good at studying so university is going to be hard for me no matter what, probably;
-I don't like any subject that involves maths, science, ecc., and I'm certainly no good at them, but they're the one that provide the most jobs...
-The economic situation here in my country, Italy, is pretty bad.

I feel like I'm stuck and I'm afraid my destiny is to die, homeless and alone.

I think it is difficult to know what you want to do with your life. I feel it is a process -- you start doing something (anything) and you learn and discover a purpose and direction along the way.

When I was at my university, I took a test that measured my interest in different careers. Based on my answers to the questions, it ranked professions that I would most likely enjoy to least likely. I found it helpful because it listed several professions I hadn't thought about and the one I was pursuing was actually in the middle of the list. After seeing the results and thinking about it for weeks, I decided to drop my current major and pursue a different degree that fit professions closer to the top of the list. I got that degree and glad I changed. It hasn't been a perfect career and I am always thinking about other related jobs and careers that I could get into in the future. I feel like it gave me a good start.

There may be similar interest tests online.

Yes, I've already tried some online texts, but most are pretty generic and won't give you any specific information about the career that may be more suitable for you... they haven't been very helpful, so far.

I found this one : Skills Assessment | CAREERwise Education
The results show a cluster of job areas that might suit your interests.

Does your university provide any help in predicting what jobs and opportunities might exist in Italy for graduates? Do they have any programs for intern work to let students get a taste of a job while they are still a student?

No, my university doesn't provide much help, unfortunately...

Thank you for linking the test to me I've got human services and arts as the most suitable careers. Not surprising, but it's hard to get into these fields...

I graduated from college more than 20 years ago. I can tell you one major important thing I have learned in the past 20 years... believe in yourself. It sounds cheesy and cliche.... but I am quite certain you are capable of more than you realize. Don’t rule anything out that sounds interesting just because you don’t think you can do it. I didn’t think I could do public speaking and avoided certain majors because of it... that was a mistake because (with a lot of work) I overcame a lot of my social anxiety. I did major in a science and never in a million years believed I could make it but luckily I had friends at the time who talked me into it. I am smarter and stronger and more capable than I ever believed myself to be 20+ years ago. I suggest you set aside all worries and fears for a moment and let yourself reflect on what you would like to do... where you would like to see yourself in 20 years... and then give it some serious consideration. This is the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time to about 25 years ago. ❤️

Thank you, Sisabel, for the encouraging words.

Hi Mickey. So, this is something I myself have struggled with, and I am 35. I have heard that the issue you've presented, is actually a huge issue for many many artists. The economy is just not set up for us. I wonder if a good path for you, for now, would be to work some kind of trade and learn a skill. Something where you know you will make money (as long as you don't hate it). Unfortunately this is a sad truth for many artists. You also spoke of human services and I think you'd be wonderful with that as well if you can learn a way to deal with your shyness. But there are shy human service workers too. I once said to my therapist: "I probably couldn't be a counselor, because I dissociate," and she said "of course you can!!" Anyway, I hope you know that the problem you're experiencing, is not just you. It sounds like your country is a lot like the US in what you're struggling with, and here, it's the way the economic system was created. It does not serve all of us. I don't think you should give up art, or helping people, Mickey, if those are things you enjoy. We need things in our lives that we enjoy. You could work a job you are ok with (maybe not over the moon about, but ok with), and still make art and help people. You could make art and sell it as a side gig.

In terms of language, you said that it's not something you want to pursue for the rest of your life. What makes you think you have to do it forever? If you became an interpreter you'd be helping people a lot. I'm not saying you should do it. Just giving you an alternate perspective in case you hadn't thought of it before. If you do not want to do it, don't. Where do you see yourself happy? Perhaps, find something for now, that feels manageable. It won't be perfect, and everything comes with difficulties and unique challenges, even the things you like. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Can't remember if you're in therapy?

Thank you for your reply, KnitChick Perhaps you're right when you say that I should do a job I feel ok with. I don't know which one Perhaps I could learn a trade... I'm not sure. I'm so confused Perhaps I'm just spoiled and entitled...

Your English is good; perhaps study Art History and work in a gallery that caters to tourists? Language skills would come in handy for teaching, translating, interpreting, etc. Find a subject you enjoy (like arts and film) and see what is needed that language skills could use; film dubbing is big in Italy :-) Film dubbing | Italy

Thank you, I'll consider that.

You could take a gap year and teach Italian, cook (if you enjoy cooking), working in beauty or hairdressing, mind kids, work on a farm. You can volunteer around the world doing those things; you just need one or two practical skills which are useful.

Thank you, saidso!

I don't see you as spoiled or entitled. Sorry, I hope my post didn't stress you out. I like Perna and Saidso's posts to you as well. Big hugs.

I am curious why you initially chose languages and what you hoped to do as far as a career.

I say that as someone with a degree in Spanish who also is fluent in Portuguese. Making it in freelance translating is very hard these days. There is a race to the bottom as far as prices on most websites where translators can offer their services and many people seem to think they don’t need the help of a professional, using computer translations instead. Those are still not very good, but for someone without language skills, they often can’t see the problems.

Language teaching is another option, but you really have to have the personality for teaching, I think. It’s not for everyone.

Otherwise, as in my case, you are going to have to develop complimentary skills. Knowing another language isn’t enough on its own, although it can give you an advantage over other applicants. I developed my writing and research abilities, and pursued an MA degree to make myself more marketable. I do use all 3 languages at my research job these days, and do some work on the side in translations for a friend’s company and occasionally some English classes. I’m currently helping a friend prepare for some work meetings in English, for example.

Yes, the well-paid translators/ interpreters working for international agencies who I've known had to do a special interpretation post-grad degree to get that level of work. It's hugely competitive to get on the course, to ,and to get appointed - though if you can stand that the job is responsible but fascinating. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Thank you all for the advice To be honest I didn't think too much at what I wanted to do when I chose languages. I suppose it seemed to me like the only realistic option. But at this point I'm not sure anymore although I suppose it's unlikely that I will "make it" with this mindset.