How can I be interested in school and studying?

I am 23 years old and watch other people my age start families, get promoted, even buy houses. Should I continue studying something I enjoy and hopefully travel the world whilst earning? Or should I quit school and find a salaried job so I can actually afford things I need?

• I always dreamed that I would follow a traditional path of success.I thought I would get a decent job and make lots of money and buy a nice house. I did well in school, chose a degree based on my interests, did reasonably well. I decided to make a radical change and follow a path I thought I was more passionate about, studying beauty therapy. Yet instead of finding a decent job, I'm earning less than I ever have, struggling with rent, unable to afford proper health care, have a raging tooth ache I can't afford to treat and eating way too many packets of instant noodles. I have had ordinary part-time jobs mostly in retail. I relocated and moved out of my parents home 2 years ago with a healthy bank balance from years of frugality. I was unemployed for over 9 months when I relocated and during that time I got literally hundreds of rejections. Of course my bank balance completely disappeared. I thought this studying beauty therapy would allow me to travel and learn a unique hands-on skill set and it is something I enjoy. My degree was actually almost completely useless in terms of job hunting, it was a humanities degree in public policy.

• Answer:

  Welcome to the real world.  Sadly, most grown people are horribly in debt, struggle with their jobs, can't focus on their family or marriage, and worry about day to day issues.  The trade-off about educating yourself vs. earning money is a dilemma no one should have, but with school, healthcare, and living expenses in the country growing so fast it's unacceptable.  I do think the government should address these issues, because your education is the most important investment you can make and you should never sacrifice it simply to get by.  That's a point for another debate. First thing is don't judge yourself too much based on others.  There's always a bigger fish in the sea.  Even the most successful people encounter others who are seemingly smarter, wealthier, better looking, friendlier, more adventurous than they are.  If you keep comparing yourself to others, you'll never get out of your hole. Instead, keep looking at yourself - what you've accomplished, what you still need to develop, and think how you can get there. In reality, finding a job is incredibly hard, especially right now.  Always keep that in mind.  If you're struggling, it's not necessarily your fault - there are thousands just like you who are also in a rut.  Also, throw out the idea of a traditional path.  Between everything going digital, jobs going to the developing world, and the global recession, there's almost no such option available anymore.  All your opportunities will be shorter term with less benefits. You should make a detailed list of all your expenses - rent, food, drinking, travel, presents, insurance, car - and figure out what you can absolutely do without.  Honestly, we all spend too much money.  I personally could have saved thousands of dollars by drinking less.  Figure out how to manage your budget.  Basically, plug the leak for the short term. In your question, figure out what you really "need."  As a 23 year old, I can assure you you don't need everything you think you do.  If you want to talk extremes, all you truly need is shelter, food, clothes, hygiene, and an ID.  Everything else is extraneous really.  But if you're really in a bad place, this is what you should realize. Then make a list of all your skills and make a massive list of all your possible job opportunities - especially the ones you haven't thought of.  Think about relocating.  Think about working abroad.  There's ways to "learn" without going to a school.  Your work and travel experience is just as valuable.  Based on what you already studied, how can you utilize that locally?  Who benefits from your knowledge?  Think about it from a supply and demand perspective.  Who needs your service, besides the obvious?  How about for the needy, or the government, or local stores besides the primary market?  This I can't answer because you know your own skills. Also consider how you're applying for jobs.  Everyone sends an email with their cover letter and resume.  Try calling someone on the phone.  Try walking into an office and asking for a manager.  Get in people's faces.  You're probably uncomfortable doing this, but be relentless about talking to anyone that will listen.  Cold call, non stop.  Again, forget the traditional way of interviewing.  Otherwise, you'll always be stuck in line with everyone else. Overall, stop judging yourself too hard, cut your expenses to the bare minimum, make detailed lists, think outside the box, and keep talking to people.