13 answers
16
Asked 1038 views

What do I do when I feel so lost in life?

I'm a junior high school student. I used to have so many dreams, but these days I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm lost. Every career seems bleak, and I don't even know how to search for what I truly want. Nothing really excites me or feels enjoyable.
What am I supposed to do in this situation?

career-path career-counseling help career-choice lost dreams
Answer This
16

13 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lisa’s Answer

It’s completely okay to feel lost—especially in high school. You’re growing, changing, and trying to make sense of a big, complicated world. It’s normal to not have all the answers right now.

The most important thing? Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to figure out your whole life today. Start small: try new things, talk to people in different careers, explore hobbies, and give yourself permission to not have it all together yet.

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’re in the middle of figuring it out, and that’s brave. You’re not alone, and this phase won’t last forever. Your path is still unfolding—keep going, and give yourself time to grow into it.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

VK’s Answer

First of all—thank you for being so open. It takes courage to share what you’re feeling, and you’re not alone. So many people (even adults!) go through seasons where everything feels unclear or overwhelming. Sometimes it's just a simple questions... "what makes me happy?", and then try and do more of what brings you happiness, even if it's just a little bit.. you have to explore and see what "feels" good, and pursue that. I found peace in listening to a few gratitude videos on YouTube when I've found myself a bit low so maybe give that a try too.

Here’s something important to remember: it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now. You’re still growing, learning, and discovering who you are—and that takes time. Feeling lost doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re in a transition, and that’s a normal part of life.

A few things you can try:
• Explore without pressure—watch career videos, try a new hobby, or volunteer for something different. Sometimes joy shows up in small, unexpected ways.
• Talk to people you trust—a teacher, counselor, or even older students. Hearing their journeys can help you see that paths are rarely straight.
• Take care of your mental and emotional health—you matter, even when you’re unsure of your direction.

You don’t need all the answers right now. Just take the next small step, and trust that clarity often comes while you’re doing, not waiting. You’re not stuck—you’re just starting. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tzu
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Savyata’s Answer

It’s completely okay to feel lost sometimes, especially when you’re still figuring things out. Many people—teens and adults—go through this. You don’t have to have everything planned right now.

Try to give yourself time and patience. Explore new hobbies, talk to people about their paths, and let yourself try things without pressure. Sometimes, interests grow slowly or show up when you least expect them. Even if nothing excites you right now, that can change with time and experience.

You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to take small steps forward. Things can and do get better, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Hang in there—you’re doing better than you think.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mario’s Answer

Hi there,

I completely understand how you're feeling. Growing up, I felt the same way, and my friends really helped me find myself again. I started taking care of them and learning from them. Even though I thought those feelings were gone, they came back a few years ago. I discovered I had chronic depression, and certain things in my life would trigger these emotions. Growing up in a tough environment left some deep scars, and certain situations would reopen them without me realizing it.

After a lot of searching and therapy, I found EMDR, which is great for dealing with trauma. I noticed I wasn't sleeping well, so I started taking magnesium and tryptophan.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Many of us have experienced similar struggles.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lindsay’s Answer

It's completely okay not to have everything figured out. Most people don't know exactly what they want to do until later in life. High school is just the beginning of your journey, and you're in a space where it's perfectly normal to explore and figure things out. Try different things and discover what excites you. Join clubs or volunteer, you never know what may spark your interests. Do you have things that come naturally to you or things you enjoy? Identifying these can be a great start to help guide you in the right direction. Another important note is to trust your instincts, use that as a compass. I believe in you, good luck! :)
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martha’s Answer

Hello, Hayeon - I am so sorry to hear about your pain. Know that you are not alone, there is always help, and things will get better.

As a junior high school student, you have lots of time to plan your career. The most urgent need is to address your feelings of bleakness and being lost. A parent or other trusted adult could help you understand what is causing these feelings and help you find ways to address them. This may be reducing your responsibilities so you have less stress, getting more exercise or sleep, or other ideas that may emerge. You may want to talk with a professional as well.

Once you feel better, trusted adults could help you inventory your strengths and interests and match them up with potential careers. For now, however, focus on your health. Building resilience is an important life skill and well worth the effort. Wish you well and good luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ashram’s Answer

Feeling lost is a normal part of life, especially with growing up and adolescence. As someone who's familiar with the education system in Korea, it's very easy to get burnt out and question what it is that you are striving towards. But it is important to remember that instead of chasing the goals and ambitions of other people, to chase the goals of yourself. Just take a brief amount of time every day and talk with yourself. Find things that you enjoy and that makes you happy. It is also good to reflect upon your past experience and reflect upon past goals. Maybe you can rekindle the sparks of a past goal or hobby of yours, and do not quit because it is too hard. But actively work at it and make the difficult hurdles before you abandon it.

Lastly, although it feels like your at extreme crossroads in life, just know that you are very young still and have so much to learn about the world and yourself and that you're not alone and many people are lost.

Goodluck Hayeon, I'm sure you can make it out of this normal rut.

I believe in you,
Arjun
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Johnson’s Answer

Feeling lost in life, especially as a student, can be overwhelming, but it’s a common experience that many people go through. Instead of trying to force clarity, focus on small steps to reconnect with yourself—explore new hobbies, reflect on moments that bring you joy, and talk to trusted mentors or friends about your feelings. Sometimes, stepping away from the pressure of defining your future can actually help you rediscover what excites you. Rather than worrying about choosing the perfect career right now, allow yourself space to grow and evolve. Every journey has moments of uncertainty, and embracing them with curiosity instead of fear can lead you to unexpected but fulfilling paths.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sreedevi’s Answer

Think about all the things you used to enjoy doing. Make a list and then rank them from least to most interesting. Pick your top three favorites. During school breaks or after school, try volunteering or getting internships in those areas. This will help you discover what you like and open up new opportunities.

Wishing you all the best, and remember to take good care of yourself!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Karen’s Answer

Great you are thinking about what's important in your life. Try making a list of things like faith, family, friends, hobbies, sports, helping others, flowers, birds, etc. Then rank them according to importance to you. After that look for more things that align with your priorities. For example, if faith is number one, try joining a church group or prayer team. If helping others is important, look for volunteer opportunities such as serving meals to the homeless or randomly do something for a neighbor. Even spending time watching birds can increase your happiness.

Each night try to think back about one thing you did that made you feel good.

With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Lyl
Thank you comment icon Feeling lost is a normal part of life. look at things that you like or that intrest you. join some groups and look at some free online courses at stuff you can do say thank you! mason kay
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Traci’s Answer

I am sorry you are feeling lost. However, the good news is that you are young and still have plenty of time to find your passion. My advice would be explore new areas while you are in high school. Maybe get a part-time job or volunteer locally. Sometimes it will spark something. If not, try something else. If you go to college it is fine to major in general studies. Many people do not use their actual degree, but you will get exposed to many areas that can help you decide what you enjoy. Also, try the career counselor at school if you have one. Best of luck and don't forget to network!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Claire’s Answer

Hi Hayeon!

I've been in your shoes before, and sometimes still feel lost in life despite how much I've grown. To this day, I haven't found a clear direction or passion, but I have found joy! It starts in appreciating small things like enjoying sweet treats or spending time with friends and family. I find that, often, people fall into the trap of believing that their career has to be their passion and joy. Some people are able to do this successfully and love their job, which is a wonderful accomplishment! But I find that the vast majority, including me, still explore their interests on the side despite having a job. Never feel that your job has to define who you are and what you love - you will not be stuck with a bleak life if you choose a bleak career. Take care of yourself and continue finding the small joys in life, these small joys will add up over time!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ponnu’s Answer

Hi Hayeon,
First, it’s important to know that feeling lost or uncertain about your future is completely normal, especially in junior high school. Many people—teens and adults alike—go through periods where their dreams feel distant or unclear, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. Life is full of changes, and your interests and passions can shift over time.
When everything seems bleak or nothing excites you, try to take small steps rather than putting pressure on yourself to find “the answer” right away. Start by giving yourself permission to explore without expectations. You might try new activities, hobbies, or clubs—even if you’re not sure you’ll enjoy them. Sometimes, just changing your routine or learning something new can spark curiosity or enjoyment where you least expect it.
0