End of High School Anxiety

Postby SolidSnickerdoodle » Mon May 16, 2016 2:28 pm

As it just so happens I am down to my last week in high school. While most teenagers might rejoice at such a notion or hope for their graduation day to come sooner, I am quite the opposite. Rather than excitement and glee, I feel nothing but anxiety and fear in regards to my future.

I've never been much of a social butterfly throughout my adolescence. Crippling social anxiety (the real kind, not the kind that's all trendy now) as well as the splitting up of family, and a few other factors lead to me adopting a sort of isolationist lifestyle. It is perhaps because of this that I never really seeded myself into any major social groups, joint activities, or clubs. Nonetheless I always had school to fall back on. School was always there in the background, providing some sort of structure and sense of developmental achievement. I had school and then I had the time after school, which mainly consisted of whatever I did in my free time. I had no job, clubs, or other commitments lined up. It was just the time after school.

But now that underlying sense of structure is about to vanish and, quite frankly, it terrifies me. Not many other students seem to feel this way, or if they do they're doing a good job of hiding it. Putting on a nervously excited face while stressing about their future. I imagine it's not so difficult for them because they've already established themselves. They have a vast network of friends that they can call, text, snap-chat, call up on a whim and meet somewhere, or what have you.

Also, most of them already have some plan lined up in regards to what university they will attend. Whether or not that's a wise commitment for every student is a matter of debate. But the important thing is that they have something to be working towards, some sense of purpose. I suppose that's what I'm looking for, and I'm afraid that come post-graduation I'm going to have nothing and nobody, not even my small circle of 5 close friends. I'm afraid I'll find myself sitting in limbo, doing some meaningless part time job without any real sense of accomplishment.

I'd like to further my education in some regard. I've written another post about how I'm going to take time and make an informed decision about what my academic interests are before I commit to shelling out thousands in student debt. The problem now I suppose is finding some way to sustain socially during that year or so off. I feel like, as a standard high schooler, that should be the least of my problems. Like I should have nothing but access to friends.

This could just be paralyzing fear of the unknown. Just me imagining the worst case scenario as we humans love to do when reflecting on ourselves. And, as I said before, I've never even had so much as a job or my own car. So I really don't have much experience to draw on. I don't know what sort of opportunities await me. But that's also the hardest part.
There is only one God, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: Not today.

Re: End of High School Anxiety

Postby drawscore » Tue May 17, 2016 1:24 am

First, what do you like to do, that you can make money doing, and will provide an income for now, and 50 years down the line, when you retire?

Military service is an option. And the military isn't all "killing people and breaking things." Yeah, that's the primary function, but, as the saying goes, "An army travels on its stomach." The military needs cooks. It needs clerks, finance specialists, writers for base and post newspapers, people that can repair and maintain vehicles, and do a number of other jobs. There are educational opportunities, and even college credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

If the military is not your "cup of tea," there is tech school, or college. But a caution: If you choose college, choose a major that will be of some use, once you leave college. That degree in gender, ethnic, or gay studies, isn't worth a bucket of warm piss, if you are applying for a job with a construction company, or to a newspaper, as a writer-reporter. It might get you a teaching assistant position, at around $15,000 a year.

Talk to your high school guidance counselor. They have aptitude tests, which can give an estimation of a vocation for which you are best suited. Unfortunately, those tests are not always completely accurate or foolproof, but they can be useful. Still, your best option, is to talk to your guidance counselor. He/she is probably the person best equipped to give you advice on which direction you should take.

One other thing: Believe in yourself. Be confident, but not arrogant. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will, either. But there is a fine line between confidence, and arrogance. Recognize it, learn it, and don't step over it.

Drawscore

Re: End of High School Anxiety

Postby Nexus » Tue May 17, 2016 12:21 pm

I find it a little odd that you never it a part time job during high school. But hey, it's never too late. I suggest finding a job anywhere that's hiring. Earning a paycheck is rewarding, and keeps you busy. From your first job you will gain experience to branch out and apply for other jobs that pay better or that you enjoy more.

Re: End of High School Anxiety

Postby Chris12 » Tue May 17, 2016 1:09 pm

The first two month's or so can be used for unwinding after a period of stress and responsibilities. There are no longer strings on you scedule wise so relax for at least a short while. Go enjoy the sun, Go play dem video games, read that book you've been meaning to get into or whatever. Just take a nice vacation from everything thing to clear your mind and take some inspiration. A vacation to a far off place could even be on the table if you can afford it.

If you still have no idea what to do after that then you should apply yourself to learning some skills that are both in line with your interests and useful. Go try to get a drivers licence or take a course in a foreign langues. Both don't have to take longer then a few months to learn and having them increases your desirability on the job market.

And take that part time job. It gives you something to do, get you some money and even something small can teach experience for later. If improving socially or staying in frequent contact with others are important to you then I'd advice something where you deal directly with costumers.

Re: End of High School Anxiety

Postby SolidSnickerdoodle » Sat May 21, 2016 8:20 pm

Chris12 wrote:If you still have no idea what to do after that then you should apply yourself to learning some skills that are both in line with your interests and useful. Go try to get a drivers licence or take a course in a foreign langues. Both don't have to take longer then a few months to learn and having them increases your desirability on the job market.

I'd say this is true. I come from a pretty mediocre, middle class family. My two older brothers were pushed into college and both dropped out for reasons of lacking commitment and misdirection from my parents regarding their majors. By the time I rolled around my parents adopted the attitude of "If you want to pursue higher education, that's fine. Just remember the important thing is that you don't grow stagnant."

Be it a crappy, minimum wage job, going to college, learning trade skills, a language, or just how to type properly, I'm still advancing myself in some regard.

For example, the past few months my dad's been using a site that offers free online courses in various subjects hosted by universities around the country. The courses are taught by professors in the form of a series of hour long video lectures, with online exams to monitor progress. There is also a small chat community where peers can discuss the topics they so desire (sounds like anarchy, but it apparently works well).

Most of these classes are purely for enrichment purposes, but some do offer a certificate of completion for a price. It basically says, "Hey. This person was good enough to complete this course in this subject offered by this university." It's a pretty nice thing to put on a resume. And for me, the fact that a man is his early fifties is taking time to enroll in these classes is pretty awesome. It shows that no matter how old you are you can always work to improve your mind. I'm considering taking one in astronomy soon. I may be done with high school, but there are some subjects that I'm too interested in to abandon.
There is only one God, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: Not today.

Re: End of High School Anxiety

Postby ebascoray » Sun May 22, 2016 8:47 pm

Then, take the on-line course in astronomy; if you are interested in that subject, then pursue it! It could be fun and enriching for you personally. I have absolutely NO idea as to who you are, except that you are are in Georgia, somewhere. But, based upon your postings on this site that I've read, it seems that you have taken good advantage of your educational experience. You have a great way of expressing yourself, on different subjects, in a clear, concise way. Perhaps, a course in journalism might be in order for you? Something to think about.

Ebascoray