Hi Ry,

I think the thing to focus on is to create possibility instead of lingering over the things that you wish were different. Maybe you can earn some references interning or volunteering somewhere? Instead of staying low when we are unemployed and letting things overwhelm us, perhaps it is better to work on our own self-growth instead. Who is the person you want to become? What would you dream job be? Then create a list of goals and  steps for each, and everyday make progress toward one of the goals. Take those first and next steps, and take the time to focus on the progress you are making, which can be a really beautiful feeling. I think the secret is to be moving forward instead of letting the things we can’t control overwhelm us.

Do you have any aspirations at all? Is there anything you want to spend your time doing other than a means to an end? Do you have hobbies and interests that occupy your spare time?

Personally i’m in a similar boat. I’m in a not badly paid job. But the actual work doesn’t use much of what i have available to be used. I used to like the job because i can let my mind wander and focus on other parts of my life. But at the moment i’m seeking more than just that. I just want to be able to use my mind a bit more involved with my job. And like you i don’t have a degree. Even though i used to run my own business and have vast experience and knowledge, in order to get a similar job i need a degree to back up the experience. Plus the whole aspect of how degrees supposedly represent a person.

In terms of not wanting the debt, if you can actually see what is available in more depth. What job you want to do. What options are available and what is required to get said job. Here is my basic example of 1 of my possibilities; For me i think i would like to do psychology but the open university degree is around 17k and would take about 6 years to fulfill. And once qualified the basic psychology jobs start at around average wage of 25k going up to 30+. But i really like the idea of using my mind more than i’ve done so far. Psychology just interests me more because of how complex our minds actually are. And if i could use my mind more productively and help other people then i’d feel like i had more meaning to my existence in this modern world. Plus int he last few years with the time i have spent with psychologist i am just more drawn to what it is they actually do for a living. Makes it more than just a job.

Maybe the above will help you think a bit more about what it is you could or want to actually be doing