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nutrient
New Member
 
Member Since Jan 2024
Location: United States
Posts: 7
Confused Jan 07, 2024 at 07:58 PM
  #1
Hello, I am a new member and I just need advice and/or encouragement. Probably more encouragement than anything. I live in the United States for reference. I have always struggled with traditional employment due to my mental health and am currently in another pickle.

I am 26 years old and I still live at home due to financial instability and insecurity for the past 3 years. I feel like a failure still living at home at my adult age. I have had depression, social anxiety, and chronic stress since my adolescence. It took years for me to even understand the nature of mental illness and my issues, such as isolating, perfectionism, limiting beliefs, and resisting reality. I say all of this to say that I am at my worst state health wise and my memory and cognition has taken a lot of damage.

I graduated with a B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science in 2020. Though I completed a DPD program (dietetics) to become a registered dietitian or dietetic technician, it wasn't until 2023 that I became a registered dietetic technician (DTR), which requires an exam to become credentialed. I am proud of myself for finally getting it but I am currently not in practice because it requires helping a dietitian and working directly with patients.

After college, I got lucky and found a job as a remote contractor position as a food and nutrition analyst, but that only lasted 5 months. I feel into a dark place mentally having felt like I wasted my college years being depressed and anxious and having lost my job after being a recent college graduate. I tried working in person in 2021 at a senior home in foodservice, but that was short lived due to the physical demands (I also have physical ailments) and feeling miserable mentally. I found a volunteer position in 2021-22 and then another paid contracting position in March 2022. My department was let go Jan 2023, I found an internship (unpaid) in March and then another paid contract position in Jun 2023. As an AI Trainer in the nutrition domain, this has been the most money I made and gave me financial stability for the first time. I was able to pay off credit card debt, afford groceries and necessities, and even have my first solo travel for my birthday. Towards the end of December and now Jan 2024, my old nightmare of less work has plagued me again.

I am over the instability and insecurity of independent contracting, but the flexible schedule fits with my unpredictable health. I can only work for 2 or 3 hours at a time before my brain fog kicks in. I also take longer at work to complete tasks then expected, which stresses me out and makes me feel like a failure. I also deal with performance anxiety daily and never feel that I am doing my best at work. I am upset about having to consider traditional work to end this cycle. I was told to do both freelancing and get a part-time job (remotely) that offers accommodations.

It would also have to require 4-hour shifts because I can't do more than that. The thing is I don't know what I want to do with my life. I know I want a job in the background not having to interact with customers, like data entry. I did meal planning during my internship, and struggled to find something like that, but will try again. I also enjoy making graphics and designing websites but people have degrees for that. My main concern is making money and reaching financial goals, like paying of medical bills (stacks and stacks) and moving out. I want something simple and low-stress that relates to nutrition so that my degree and certification doesn't feel like a waste. I found three freelance positions today (sigh) and will look for actual employee positions, but the interview process is a nightmare. I just wish employment was easy for people like me. I literally hate working, though of course I know I have no other choice.
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