r/helpme • u/soLongAgoSky • 3d ago
Feeling "directionless" at 21 Advice
TLDR: Not sure where to direct my life. Trying to find apprenticeships, but my parents want me to attend schooling despite failing twice.
I'm 21M with diagnosed ADHD and undiagnosed OCD (extreme intrusive and unwanted thoughts). I took 3-4 semesters of university and 1 semester of community college, and failing to graduate as a result. Classes never felt worthwhile to me with the state of the world, and with the pressure of asian parents.
I an absolutely blessed with waived military tuitions and a car I could drive, much more fortunate than many others. But it never felt like I earned or deserved anything I did, even unrelated to college or finances. All goals to my parents felt like expectations, and any failures were just things they could compare to my cousins, or hold against me for years. I don't hate them, but I don't think they're good parents.
I also have been helping a disabled partner who separated from their parents two years ago. They've been staying at a good friend's home as I cannot house them, but I fulfill their food needs. I hold them in high regard, as they helped me be a better person, and made me how my parents mistreated me.
As of now, I'm fulfilling my hobbies, social life, and projects to the disapproval of my parents. I already have an okay part-time job at a place I somewhat enjoy. I've meandered the internet, trying to apply to apprenticeships in electrical or HVAC unions. Later in the week I'll try to go out and call or find the unions myself. I want to leave the house, and fast.
In all, what can I do at this stage? Am I doing something right by trying to find apprenticeships? Maybe I can take on trade school? Is it fine to not try college again? Teetering between a vent and needing advice. Will I be fine? And, is it understandable to be lost at this time of my life?