I'm 23 and only just now got my first job. Have I ruined my future?

[Krillin]

I've been in college for, going on, 6 years. Been getting an Art degree to be an illustrator. I was naive when I started college, so I'm regretting going for art - though my professors tell me I'm one of the better students.

All these years, off and on, I have tried looking for a job. I admit there were times I got lazy and just didn't look. And I think that may be the biggest reason. But when I did look, often my college class schedule would collide with that job so I just simply couldn't. I finally got one working in the kitchen of a nursing home. I can only work weekends right now and I'm only bringing in around 100 dollars a week.

I hear some people say I have really messed myself up by getting a job so late. And then I have other people tell me that it's expected to not have one when taking college classes. I guess at least I can say I'm earning my own money and trying my best right now. My parents insisted again and again they were fine with paying my way through college. And I've say down with one of my professors recently and we discussed the business side of art and how I can realistically make money off of what I do. So that's given me some hope.

But I've been utterly depressed recently thinking about how I may have ruined my future. It's embarrassing to tell people I'm 23, still live with parents, and only just got a job. I won't just sit still anymore. I'm surely moving forward. But nevertheless, I'm afraid that I'm going to find myself in a situation where I just can't support myself. My future looks bleak from here.

I kinda rambled on there. Any thoughts?

 

[Albion]

The field is not one that commands high salaries as a rule, but neither are a lot of others. If this is where your talents lie, I'd try to suppress the thought that you wasted your time and concentrate instead on finding a good job in your field. No matter what the field of study, there are SOME good jobs, but my feeling is that many people do not go after them very aggressively. You really do have to put on a full court press and not get discouraged if you pile up a hundred refusals. That's part of the game these days. And be willing to relocate!

 

[Krillin]

The field is not one that commands high salaries as a rule, but neither are a lot of others.

Right. And that's why I have some regrets about it. The plan right now is to go ahead and finish (I only have a year left), and try to do the very best I can with it from there.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

I've been in college for, going on, 6 years. Been getting an Art degree to be an illustrator. I was naive when I started college, so I'm regretting going for art - though my professors tell me I'm one of the better students.

All these years, off and on, I have tried looking for a job. I admit there were times I got lazy and just didn't look. And I think that may be the biggest reason. But when I did look, often my college class schedule would collide with that job so I just simply couldn't. I finally got one working in the kitchen of a nursing home. I can only work weekends right now and I'm only bringing in around 100 dollars a week.

I hear some people say I have really messed myself up by getting a job so late. And then I have other people tell me that it's expected to not have one when taking college classes. I guess at least I can say I'm earning my own money and trying my best right now. My parents insisted again and again they were fine with paying my way through college. And I've say down with one of my professors recently and we discussed the business side of art and how I can realistically make money off of what I do. So that's given me some hope.

But I've been utterly depressed recently thinking about how I may have ruined my future. It's embarrassing to tell people I'm 23, still live with parents, and only just got a job. I won't just sit still anymore. I'm surely moving forward. But nevertheless, I'm afraid that I'm going to find myself in a situation where I just can't support myself. My future looks bleak from here.

I kinda rambled on there. Any thoughts?

The bible says "All things work together for good for those who love God, and are called according to His purposes".

God's purpose for us is good, no matter where we find ourself today it can be changed for good over time.

I studied art initially, but then latter learned how to program computers (using code), I now work as a Website Designer, a job that I enjoy, and can make a living off.

The art of I have done helps me in my current job.

 

[vinsight4u]

/

 

[Kit Sigmon]

I've been in college for, going on, 6 years. Been getting an Art degree to be an illustrator. I was naive when I started college, so I'm regretting going for art - though my professors tell me I'm one of the better students.

All these years, off and on, I have tried looking for a job. I admit there were times I got lazy and just didn't look. And I think that may be the biggest reason. But when I did look, often my college class schedule would collide with that job so I just simply couldn't. I finally got one working in the kitchen of a nursing home. I can only work weekends right now and I'm only bringing in around 100 dollars a week.

I hear some people say I have really messed myself up by getting a job so late. And then I have other people tell me that it's expected to not have one when taking college classes. I guess at least I can say I'm earning my own money and trying my best right now. My parents insisted again and again they were fine with paying my way through college. And I've say down with one of my professors recently and we discussed the business side of art and how I can realistically make money off of what I do. So that's given me some hope.

But I've been utterly depressed recently thinking about how I may have ruined my future. It's embarrassing to tell people I'm 23, still live with parents, and only just got a job. I won't just sit still anymore. I'm surely moving forward. But nevertheless, I'm afraid that I'm going to find myself in a situation where I just can't support myself. My future looks bleak from here.

I kinda rambled on there. Any thoughts?

Krillin: I lived on/off with my mom for a long time, did a solo thing here and there, didn't last because mom wasn't in good health, I was living with her up until I got married, which means I was in my thirties, my brother lived at home until around that age also. Nothing to be embarrassed about, it's expensive to live own your own if you only making minimum wage.
My nephew is in college and he learning to be an illustrator, he making money at it too; he was plastering his stuff all over Facebook, and other websites a few years before he even went off to college last year. My nephew works, supports himself by working part time in restaurants and hawking his art...don't see why you can't do the same. I know musicians who do or have done the same thing.
I looked this up online, just a minute ago...https://www.upwork.com/o/jobs/browse/c/design-creative/sc/illustration/

 

[Magillacuddy]

I've been in college for, going on, 6 years. Been getting an Art degree to be an illustrator. I was naive when I started college, so I'm regretting going for art - though my professors tell me I'm one of the better students.

All these years, off and on, I have tried looking for a job. I admit there were times I got lazy and just didn't look. And I think that may be the biggest reason. But when I did look, often my college class schedule would collide with that job so I just simply couldn't. I finally got one working in the kitchen of a nursing home. I can only work weekends right now and I'm only bringing in around 100 dollars a week.

I hear some people say I have really messed myself up by getting a job so late. And then I have other people tell me that it's expected to not have one when taking college classes. I guess at least I can say I'm earning my own money and trying my best right now. My parents insisted again and again they were fine with paying my way through college. And I've say down with one of my professors recently and we discussed the business side of art and how I can realistically make money off of what I do. So that's given me some hope.

But I've been utterly depressed recently thinking about how I may have ruined my future. It's embarrassing to tell people I'm 23, still live with parents, and only just got a job. I won't just sit still anymore. I'm surely moving forward. But nevertheless, I'm afraid that I'm going to find myself in a situation where I just can't support myself. My future looks bleak from here.

I kinda rambled on there. Any thoughts?

If your parents don't mind, don't worry about it. Listen to them about all things not related to your professors advice about turning your passion into a career. Your parents just want you to be happy and healthy, which would include moving out some day.

We still have one at home, but another was similar to you, his first job was at 22, right out of school. There seems no set path anymore, other than you just keeping up your faith and not getting discouraged over it. Keep listening to the most important people in your life, not your friends or this world, which can easily make you feel inadequate.

 

[Greg J.]

I've been in college for, going on, 6 years. Been getting an Art degree to be an illustrator. I was naive when I started college, so I'm regretting going for art - though my professors tell me I'm one of the better students.

There's no such thing as a "ruined future" for those who are devoted to Jesus Christ. How devoted are you? Your post reads like you have Martha's anxiety.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39-42, 1984 NIV)

To be told you're one of the better students in any artistic endeavor is no small thing. A lot of people want to be where you are. What matters is, do you enjoy illustrating? Do you have an internal peace when you are doing it? Do you believe it is pleasing to God, or that it is what God has wanted you to do? From the small amount of information in your post, it seems like you may have been doing what the Lord wanted you to do these past years, including living with your parents and the degree to which you haven't been working.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, 1984 NIV)

All these years, off and on, I have tried looking for a job. I admit there were times I got lazy and just didn't look. And I think that may be the biggest reason. But when I did look, often my college class schedule would collide with that job so I just simply couldn't. I finally got one working in the kitchen of a nursing home. I can only work weekends right now and I'm only bringing in around 100 dollars a week.

This all seems fine to me, especially if your parents want you to be working. If they don't, then the only thing I wonder is if the Lord wants you to not be working right now.

I hear some people say I have really messed myself up by getting a job so late. And then I have other people tell me that it's expected to not have one when taking college classes. I guess at least I can say I'm earning my own money and trying my best right now. My parents insisted again and again they were fine with paying my way through college. And I've say down with one of my professors recently and we discussed the business side of art and how I can realistically make money off of what I do. So that's given me some hope.

Ridiculous. 23 is not "too late" in any sense, even less if you've been in college. That's the time it takes. Imagine your friends' opinions if you were in medical school where you get to be a practicing doctor around the time you're 30 years old. You even still have 4 years before you reach the average age women get married at.

But I've been utterly depressed recently thinking about how I may have ruined my future. It's embarrassing to tell people I'm 23, still live with parents, and only just got a job. I won't just sit still anymore. I'm surely moving forward. But nevertheless, I'm afraid that I'm going to find myself in a situation where I just can't support myself. My future looks bleak from here.

Presuming you don't have clinical depression (which can cause a lot of worrying, self-questioning, and self-condemnation, by the way), you must be hanging out with the wrong people. Friends should be supportive, encouraging, non-judgmental, and willing to help you with whatever you need.

It is wise to live with your parents as long as you can (preferably until you're married). You're worried about your future, but you don't even know if you will be alive tomorrow or not. You need to yield your future to Jesus Christ and let him be in control of it. He's the only one who can be, anyway. Read the Bible, trust what Jesus said. Talk to him more (pray). He will take care of you.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (bold mine, Matthew 6:31-34, 1984 NIV)

If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalms 91:9-10, 1984 NIV)

When you yield to Jesus' Lordship, it makes him responsible for you. When you are obedient to him, it makes him responsible for the consequences, and he will handle it all perfectly. He loves you much!

 

[Goodbook]

What your so called friends say is of no improtance its what God thinks thats improtant and there is nothing in the bible about saying 23 is too old to have a first paying job.

 

[Goodbook]

This is what God says to jeremiah but its also a good piece of advice to believers.

I know the thoughts i think of you, saith the Lord thoughts of peace not of evil and to have an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

This scripture is often paraphrased but I like the KJV as its God thinking of us. So God is thinking good of His people and our end is assured. What is the expected end? That we sup with Him.

 

[Sketcher]

You have not ruined your future. You have a job, so you finally have a chance at building a future. If you have a good work ethic and good overall character, you'll be fine. Read or re-read the book of Proverbs. Apply its wisdom to where you work. Even though this isn't really the job you want, be a good worker there. That will benefit you.

 

[shelley1952]

There's no such thing as a "ruined future" for those who are devoted to Jesus Christ. How devoted are you?

My thoughts exactly as I read Krillins post I saw nothing about Jesus at all.

Your post reads like you have Martha's anxiety.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39-42, 1984 NIV)

Krillins post or situation cant be compared to this passage about Mary and Martha because Mary was doing the right thing by sitting at the feet of Jesus to learn but even though Martha was not sitting at the feet of Jesus and trying to learn she was still doing things directly for Him, again, Krillin never said anything about Jesus so how can we assume Krillin has even done anything for Jesus ??

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, 1984 NIV)

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (bold mine, Matthew 6:31-34, 1984 NIV)
If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalms 91:9-10, 1984 NIV)

I lumped the above verses together....Romans 8:28.....Matthew 6:31-34.......Psalms 91:9-10 again for the same reason, we have no idea where Krillin is on this, does she make the Most High, her dwelling place ? How about seeking FIRST His Kingdom and His Righteousness ? Does she really love Him ? We do not know and we can not assume. Unless someone has accepted Jesus as their Savior, Unless someone spends time seeking the face of God, unless they cultivate that relationship and know and listen to Gods leading and know what He wants and follows His direction to get to where God wants them, doing what He has planned for them and just plain has faith in Him we can not expect to receive all the blessings. We must learn and that takes time with Him. Now if Krillin has a close relationship with the Lord and knows what He wants then I am thrilled for her and I would pray about the job thing to see what the Lord thinks about it.

You're worried about your future, but you don't even know if you will be alive tomorrow or not. You need to yield your future to Jesus Christ and let him be in control of it. He's the only one who can be, anyway. Read the Bible, trust what Jesus said. Talk to him more (pray). He will take care of you

You are sooo right Greg, we do not know our future, we do not know when our time will be up, many have gone on very young. Jesus is the only right way, only by putting our future in His hands for Him to take control of can we know for sure that we are headed in the right direction. If I said it was an easy task to put your future in someone else's hands, put your plans and dreams in someone else's control is easy, I would be lying but its not impossible, it takes a lot of courage but Krillin you have the courage, that was already put in you by God but it is your choice. Father God and Jesus loves you. I dont believe that you have ruined your future, you have it all ahead of you yet.


P.S. krillin, if you are a male instead of a female I am sorry for using the pronoun she. Being a female I have a tendency to say she or her unless I can tell by the name or it says so on your profile.