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by bartonfink 5610 days ago
Hey, Greg -

I wound up in a similar situation as you after college a while ago, although mine wasn't exactly the same. What you need to recognize, and your last paragraph is a good sign of this, is that you have bigger fish to fry than 'doing what you want'. 'Doing what you want' is important, but as I read your activities - got a Geography degree, road tripped the US, tried to get a book deal, applying to YC as a front-end web designer, trying to work in the gaming industry - I don't see a clear picture of 'what you want'. I see a lot of energy and ideas, but you remind me a bit of Dean Moriarity from On the Road - all sail and no compass, so to speak.

That aside, I also think you have more to worry about than 'doing what you want'. You've got student loans to deal with now, as well as an uncertain living situation with your parents. I think those take precedence over figuring out what you want to do with your life. You need to figure out how to get regular money to take steps towards self-sufficiency. A huge plus would be to build something like a 'career' while doing that - because that will make your next steps towards the things I listed above easier.

What I'd suggest is that you look into teaching. At least in the US, there are numerous programs to get new teachers into schools.I don't know when they take applicants, but I would imagine now is a good time to look since it's February and you've got time before next school year. Some pay for a masters in education, which would defer your student loans (you're back in an educational program), but they will definitely give you a salary and let you regroup while you figure out your next move. Teachers also regularly leave education after a few years, so you won't stand out if you do get the urge to chase something else once you're back on your feet. Teaching can give you a creative outlet, which you might enjoy, and it definitely beats living at home with your parents or couch surfing while you wait for your shift at Subway. I'd give this a serious look if I were you.

My e-mail address should be visible in my profile - feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have ?'s or want to chat more. Like I said, I went through something similar and came out pretty well, so I think I can offer pertinent advice.

Best of luck!

1 comments

Thanks. :) Although from graduation til about December it was about what I wanted, I have definitely realized at this point that there are bigger priorities in life, and I am working on being responsible for those priorities.