Anyone else feel like life is passing them by?

[Kennedydavenport]

I'm only early 30s, I know that people a lot older than me will think I'm being ridiculous, and I likely am. I'm not trying to make anyone older than me feel bad. Equally I've heard 23 year olds saying they feel like this so surely works both ways.
I've always been mistaken for younger which isn't necessarily a good thing, and I don't buy into the whole youth=beauty.
Aged 28/29 I was being asked if I lived at home and if I were a student. Now about to turn 32, I've lost so much fat from my face. The lines are starting, only very faintly, and when I look back at photos of myself from around 8 years ago there is a big change.
I now probably look around my age or slightly younger, and that is completely ok and normal. It's just getting used to what feels like suddenly having a new face. I do look after my skin very well, I've lost that 20s glow but that's ok. I hope that makes sense, I'm just getting used to my older appearance. Most men don't even worry about this at all, it's ridiculous.

I qualified as a teacher which was not a good decision, because the behaviour in most schools now is abhorrent. It's not a career I enjoy and I regret training to be a teacher. I do TA work which I like but the pay is abysmal. Also do supply and I also work as a senior care assistant but I'm on around 24k a year because they are not high paying roles.
Supply pays well on a day to day basis but no holiday or sick pay. I can't get an NQT/ect position, I never make it to interview stage.
I'm applying for assistant manager roles in nurseries, senior non teaching roles in schools etc. But not sure I'll have any luck.
Ideally would like to be on at least 27/28k which isn't even that high compared to what many are on.
I don't drive because it's bloody expensive to learn as well as save for a house deposit and everything else.
I know I'm not doing badly in life, I am grateful for what I have. I'm just feeling a bit 'meh' and that I'm just getting older and stagnating. Feel like I can do better and that I'm going to be 40 in no time.
Sorry it's just a bit of a moan, not even sure where to start.

Solidarity I think it’s sooo easy to feel this way too with the way the world is right now. Sounds like you need a new purpose / reason.

Just drift between jobs and I want a place I can build a career in and progress.

Feel that I'm in my 30s now so I 'should' be settling down, having children, living that typical sort of life. Days of being out at parties, good looking and having a good social life are gone, it's work and child raising from now on. Sounds pathetic I know, but that's how I feel.

Just to remind you there is no one way you SHOULD live your life. I'm also early 30s.

It's natural in life to go through good, bad and blah phases and to feel strange as we approach transitional ages.

We can look back wistfully at the good times or wish we'd done some things differently.

But there's an older version of you looking at you now the same way!

What you're feeling is fine and natural but important not to get stuck there.

• The golden rule of life. Don't bother comparing to anyone else. It's so pointless, makes us feel worse and stops us focusing on what we want and who we are.
• The basics...the food, water, sleep, rest, quality time, when you can.
• Listen to podcasts or guided meditations in the background while doing the laundry or making breakfast. Get some inspiring messages into your head.
• Try to do one new thing a month whether it's a new film, new food, holiday, hobby or contacting an old friend.

Thank you so much xx

I feel life has passed by and wish I could go back in time and change things, but then again I wouldn't have my children or my grandchildren, one of whom is a mini me looks wise but eith her dad's cheeky smile.

The thing is that things will change, my in-laws recently passed (very old) and we now have the money to enjoy retirement.