Dear Anita,

Thank you so much for your wisdom that helps me reestablish my self-confidence. Ocean County College that I attend has career advising services and I just updated my resume. I applied for a scientific research job and hoping I get an interview. I am thinking that if I can get a job, I can start saving for my financial independence and needs so I don’t have to rely on the allowance my parents give me. Lately, I have been feeling like my inner critic is trying to get me to take on more projects I can handle. It has been saying things like “If you acquired more knowledge in these areas, you could be more independent and would have more respect from others” or “You spend too much time doing assignments that aren’t necessary.” I think my inner critic stems from my parents criticisms about me and sometimes it makes me emotionally drained because I try to take on many projects at once. The question are “How do I take time for myself without having the inner critic think I’m being unproductive?” “What are good ways to teach yourself new life skills?”