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To feel like I’ve wasted my life

359 replies

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 14:57

I’m 26, live at home and have no chance of buying a house before I’m 30.

I’ve spent the last three years doing a job I’ve hated, because I thought it was right for me. Get to the end, I’m a couple of months away from qualifying as a solicitor, and I realise how much I hate it, so I’m starting over in the NHS soon. (Three days before qualifying)

I’ve got two degrees and a potential masters (if I resit the exams), but what do I have to show for it? I’ve never had a relationship because I’ve focussed on university and exams since I was 18. I’m still on minimum wage, I’ve got nothing really going for me.

I just feel like I’ve completely wasted my life. I’ve qualified as a solicitor when I hate it, I’ve done everything my family expected of me, and I still feel empty and hopeless. I just wonder “what was the point”

OP posts:
Dangermoo · 19/08/2025 15:06

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 15:05

I’m glad I’m not the only one who hated it. I had these feelings last year after my first set of exam results but didn’t believe in myself enough to actually take the step and leave. At least I’ve done that i guess x

You have - well done. The world is your oyster x

Dangermoo · 19/08/2025 15:05

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 15:01

I will qualify, but I don’t want to work as a solicitor. I hate it. I hate every single aspect of it

It's a very stale profession. Some people thrive òn it. I found it sucked the life out of me. You're in a good position to use your qualifications for relevant analyst positions.

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 15:05

Dangermoo · 19/08/2025 15:02

You're still so young. I studied law but jacked the LPC in after 6 weeks as I knew the law wasn't for me. I know where you're coming from. You've got your qualifications, get your new career off the ground. 30 isn't a magical age, where you've failed if you don't have your own property. Your life is far from wasted x

I’m glad I’m not the only one who hated it. I had these feelings last year after my first set of exam results but didn’t believe in myself enough to actually take the step and leave. At least I’ve done that i guess x

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 19/08/2025 15:04

Kindly, you're 26. Your life is not over yet.

You don't have to work as a solicitor if you don't want to. You can change course. What you need to do is figure out what you do want. And then make a plan for how to make it happen.

You have a whole life ahead of you. It will be what you choose to make it.

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 15:04

Needmorelego · 19/08/2025 15:02

What do you want to do with your life?

Fuck it all off and travel?

I can’t afford that. Honestly all I want is a nice, quiet life. I want a husband, two kids (boy, then girl), maybe a dog (golden retriever), a nice house somewhere quiet with a garden. I just want to be happy, healthy and loved. A decent job where we can go on holiday once a year and just enjoy life.

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 19/08/2025 15:02

What do you want to do with your life?

Dangermoo · 19/08/2025 15:02

You're still so young. I studied law but jacked the LPC in after 6 weeks as I knew the law wasn't for me. I know where you're coming from. You've got your qualifications, get your new career off the ground. 30 isn't a magical age, where you've failed if you don't have your own property. Your life is far from wasted x

WastedMyPotential · 19/08/2025 15:01

SpecialMilkMonitor · 19/08/2025 15:00

Just to clarify, you have completed your training and will qualify as a solicitor?

I will qualify, but I don’t want to work as a solicitor. I hate it. I hate every single aspect of it

OP posts:
SpecialMilkMonitor · 19/08/2025 15:00

Just to clarify, you have completed your training and will qualify as a solicitor?

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