32, lost in life, no idea what to do

[daisychaiin]

I've had several career changes, started a business, backpacked, currently finishing a degree. I've bought a flat and paid off the mortgage (parent died) but now I'm wondering what to do with my life? I can live on a part time minimum wage jobs now so I have no real drive to earn more. I've had a few long term relationships, never lived with a partner though. I tried working in corporate and hated it. No interest in having kids.
I think most of my friends look at me and feel sorry for me? Or people think there is something wrong with me as I'm not going down the typical family/kids route and only work minimum wage jobs now? AIBU? Should I be striving for more? Am I wasting my life? What should I be doing?

I don’t think anyone else gets to decide what you ‘should’ be doing. What would you like to do? What’s your idea of a good life?

What's your idea of fun?
Can you do more of that through Meetup groups/volunteering etc.

You should live the life that makes you happy, not what other people think should make you happy. You sound like so far, you’ve lived a rich life, tried lots of different things and have secure housing. That’s quite an achievement by 32! If you feel content, ignore people telling you you’re doing life ‘wrong’.

Sounds like you’re in an awesome position. At 32 I was also totally ‘what am I going to do with my life?!?’ although that had been going on since I was a teenager. 35 now and in the past year that feeling has totally vanished and I feel really content and have direction. Such a relief! For me it was just a case of right time right place and something came up and it all became clear. So no real advice unfortately except to keep trying things and be open to opportunities. You do actually have to be somewhere - right headspace, actually out in the world etc - for ‘right place right time’ opportunities to come up. So don’t rot in your flat.

Rent out your mortgage free flat and travel again?

Also just to add - sounds like you’re in an awesome position - I seemed very sorted too at that age. But it’s an inner satisfaction thing I think, if I’m reading your OP correctly? So yes you have a flat, good life experience, etc. I looked very sorted as well. Something will come along!!

I feel the same. Wanted kids but looks like it won’t happen for me.

Currently looking at volunteering with young people. I think it helps having gratitude for what you do have, and maybe seeing where you could help others instead.

I think most of us need a purpose. For some that's having kids, others it's careers or exploring, or charity work.... something that makes us feel that there's a reason for our existence. I think that's what your searching for. It sounds like you're in a position where you can choose what that purpose is which is great but I can see why that means you feel a bit lost. I would advise that whilst you're searching for that, try not to overthink but make the most of this "working it out" time by either building a bit of a financial buffer, going on some trips, studying, volunteering. I'm sure at some point it'll click.