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I too am mid-twenties and software engineer. I've actually been thinking about much of the same thing. Personally, I'm currently focused on developing my self-awareness by attending therapy, journaling on childhood issues and current emotional reactions, and meditating. I found even as an "adult" in a "real job" I have trouble asking for help, writing clear documentation, feeling confident to take on larger roles and digging into self-awareness has helped that a lot. See @healthygamer_gg on twitch if you're interested. While doing all this, I realized what lead me to software was being good at the math and science in school, and this is a well payable stable job. Growing up somewhat poor, this seemed great and I loved the praise of doing good job and getting rewarded with bonuses/promotions. I began to see I depended on these to feel good but as I realize this, I want to get more out of life. And so, I find myself in a similar position to you, not really knowing what to do. So, I suggest this: reflect on what you value, try to create and put something out there (maybe make a 5 min film on a recent local policy and how it affects your local community), develop skills and have fun, ask yourself who are and and why are you this way; who do you want to be? HBR's "Working Identity" posits that you can't know only by introspection, you have to also just try things out. I'll finish off with this: "Know thyself" -Seneca. Perhaps there's no manual because the act of looking is the task required. That said, I find philosophy and psychology to be the closest proxy :P |