2 hours ago
4
I’m 28, currently without a job or savings, and struggling with the feeling that I’ve wasted my 20s. I know I’m not old, and I know I can start over, but emotionally, I feel stuck in regret and fear about the future.
It’s not like I did nothing - I had a successful career for a while, and I traveled a bit (Europe, once to the USA). But health issues forced me to stop working, and I burned through my savings. Now, I have no money, no job, and no idea where to start rebuilding. I feel like I’m at square one, but with the weight of lost time on my shoulders.
What really weighs on me are all the things I wanted to do but didn’t: 💭 I always dreamed of studying abroad, but my parents discouraged it, and at the time, I listened. 💭 Since childhood, I’ve wanted to help animals and volunteer abroad, but I never took that step. 💭 I wanted to take risks, but instead, I played it safe—and now I feel like I missed my chance. 💭 I wanted to travel more, especially long-term backpacking through Asia, and now I feel like I missed out on an experience that could have shaped me.
I know 28 isn’t too late, but I can’t shake the feeling that by now, I should have financial stability, a strong career, and meaningful life experiences to look back on. Instead, I have no financial security, no direction, and no savings to even start changing things. I feel completely lost and behind.
At the same time, I’m terrified of the future. What if my health worsens?
I’m working with a therapist who is helping me process past trauma that left me feeling “frozen” for years, which likely contributed to where I am now. I don’t want to stay stuck in regret—but I also don’t know how to move forward when I feel like I have nothing to start with.
Has anyone here successfully started over in their late 20s, 30s, or even later? 💬 How do you stop fixating on the past and actually take control of your life again? 💬 What helped you rebuild when you felt stuck? 💬 How do you forgive yourself for time you feel you’ve wasted? 💬 How do you overcome the fear of the unknown and lack of control over the future?
I’d really appreciate any advice or personal stories. Thanks in advance!
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