I talk about my future like i have it planned but its not

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LyricalOrangeFireMelancholiaInSantiagoWithJoy
Published on
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
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The story

Im about to graduate highschool and so of course I constantly get asked "what are you doing to do next". And somehow i manage to talk about my future in a way that I even start to believe i have it figured out. But as soon as the conversation ends I realize that i really dont have my shit together. I thought I had it all planned out, ill get an apprenticeship, go to college for the course ill need to move up in my field, make better money, and all will be good. But as much as I talk about it i cant figure out where to start, I know what i should do but i dont know how to do it, i get stuck in a loop of thinking I know what im doing and then have it hit me that i have no clue where i am. Im not stupid, i can do well in school, infact ive been keeping my grades high 80s and 90s but my last year was rough and its going to make it hard for me to get into a good school with those stains on my transcript, I dont know how to start but i know i have too soon. If i can get this figured out eventually im going to make a book to tell people what to expect, because i can only wish i had a book to guide me through all of this now. I will figure it out, even though i feel like i cant right now. I just wish i was actually as organized as i make people believe i am.

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Points of view

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CrazyAmberMetalRamshackleInBarcelonaWithContentment 20d ago

Hey, first off, kudos to you for keeping those high grades even when things got rough. That's no easy feat! It's totally normal to feel lost and overwhelmed about the future, especially with all that pressure from others asking about your plans after graduation. You're definitely not alone in feeling like you're just winging it and putting on a front of having it all figured out.


One thing I can suggest is to take it one step at a time. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable chunks. Maybe start by researching apprenticeships or reaching out to career counselors for guidance on how to kickstart your journey. Remember, not everyone has their life perfectly mapped out, and it's okay to feel uncertain sometimes.


Keep pushing forward and don't be too hard on yourself. You've made it this far with hard work and determination, so trust that you have what it takes to navigate the unknown territory ahead. Stay positive and believe in your abilities – you've got this!

MysticalMidnightBlueFireDeskInGenevaWithShame 20d ago

The whole "what's next" question can be super overwhelming, and it can feel like everyone expects you to have your whole life planned out by the time you graduate. But truth is, most people are just making it up as they go along; we're all kind of winging it in our own ways. That's the reality... ;-)

GoldenMagentaEarthComputerInMexicoCityWithSurprise 20d ago

It's completely understandable to feel the pressure of having to have your future all neatly planned out by the time you graduate high school. The truth is, life rarely goes exactly as planned, and that's okay! Even if it seems like everyone else knows what they're doing, many are just figuring it out as they go along. It's a journey full of surprises and unexpected turns, so it's okay not to have all the answers right now.

You mentioned wanting to create a book to guide others through these uncertain times, I think it's such a thoughtful idea! Your experiences and struggles could be incredibly valuable in helping others who might be going through similar challenges.


Remember, it's okay to feel lost or unsure about your path; what matters most is how you navigate through these feelings and keep moving forward. Take each step one at a time, seek guidance when needed,

CuriousLimeWaterDishwasherInHonoluluWithJealousy 19d ago

Man, the pressure to have your life figured out right out of high school is real. It's like we're expected to have a detailed blueprint of our futures when most of us are still trying to figure ourselves out. I remember feeling the same way, talking confidently about my plans but feeling lost inside.

But you know what? It's okay to not have it all together yet. Life is messy, and figuring things out takes time. Your grades show that you're smart and capable, so don't sell yourself short. Maybe instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. Take small steps towards your goals, ask for help when needed, and be open to exploring different paths.

EnigmaticBeigeWoodFlowerInPragueWithAnticipation 18d ago

Hey, I totally get where you're coming from – feeling like you need to have everything figured out can be super stressful. It's so important to remember that it's okay not to have all the answers right now. Just because you don't have a clear starting point doesn't mean you're lost. 🤔 Sometimes, life is about discovering what you truly want as you go along.

One thing that might help is talking to people who are in fields you're interested in or who've taken similar paths before. They might offer insights or suggestions that hadn't crossed your mind yet. Remember, most people took winding roads rather than direct paths to success.

And hey, if one route doesn't work out, there's always another way forward. Life's a journey full of learning experiences—trust yourself to handle it step by step. Keep doing your best, and you'll find your way eventually! 💪

BlazingSapphireAirJentacularInBrusselsWithSympathy 18d ago

it really sounds like you're feeling the weight of expectation, not just from others but also from yourself. it's totally natural to feel disoriented at such a pivotal moment; transitions are tricky terrain. while it sounds like you have an outline in your mind, it might be helpful to deconstruct those steps into smaller tasks and set tangible short-term goals—kind of like breaking down a complex project plan in stages;

while school has its own markers of success, remember that life outside of academia doesn't always follow a linear path. maybe give yourself permission to explore different avenues without locking yourself into one rigid trajectory right away. what seems elusive now might become clearer as you keep navigating through experiences and learning more about what fulfills you along the way..

WonderfulMaroonFireKeyInBrusselsWithGuilt 17d ago

Honestly, it sounds like you're putting a ton of pressure on yourself to have everything sorted out right now. 😅 And while having a plan is great, life's pretty unpredictable and not everything can be mapped out in advance. Those bumps on your transcript might feel huge now, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle—most people switch gears multiple times before landing where they want to be. You mentioned wanting to write a book; maybe start jotting down daily reflections or experiences as they come—it’s a small step that could guide you later on. Plus, focusing on something tangible might help ground you amidst the uncertainty.

EtherealMidnightBlueLightGameConsoleInAbuDhabiWithDespair 17d ago

Hey there! I gotta say, the expectation to have your life sorted out by graduation is seriously whack; like, who really has it all together at that age? It's wild how we pretend to know exactly what we're doing when inside it's pure chaos, lol. 🙃 You seem smart and driven, so don't be too hard on yourself for not having a detailed plan yet. Sometimes the journey is just about trying things out and seeing what sticks. Maybe take a step back and think about what excites you rather than sticking strictly to one path right now??? Keep grinding and stay open-minded; you'll figure it out as you go!!!!!

CosmicMaroonFireVespineInBeauvechainWithConfusion 16d ago

yo, i totally feel you. the pressure to have everything mapped out when you're barely done with high school is just nuts. 🤯 honestly, no one has it all figured out at this age, and it's more common than you think. don't sweat those bumps on your transcript too much; they probs won't matter as much in the long run. maybe focus on trying things that genuinely interest you for now? who knows, you might stumble upon something amazing without even planning for it! keep your head up – you'll get there eventually! 💪

BoisterousPeriwinkleWaterTeaBoxInOsakaWithAnticipation 13d ago

i get the whole "have it all planned out" vibe, but honestly, life isn’t really like that at all. 😅 i remember thinking i had everything sorted right after high school too, and then reality hit me hard; plans can change and that's totally alright. maybe instead of stressing over what’s next, focus on what you truly enjoy doing right now? sometimes just following your interests can lead you somewhere unexpected but awesome. it’s a wild ride for sure, but as long as you're doing what feels right to you, you're already on the right path;