Is it normal that i feel like a total failure in life?

I feel like a total failure in my life. I'm in my 5th and final year of college about to (hopefully) get my honours degree in programming. I have no work motivation so even though I am passing, my grades are terrible and I feel no motivation to do better. I would never put effort into school either, despite often being told that I was quite smart. I very rarely socialise because I don't enjoy it. I'm single and don't think I'll be able to land a job when I finish college. I've only ever had one summer job (which was setup by the college as part of a work experience subject). I'm 21 and I feel like a failure at life.
I feel like I should be able to financially support myself by now, but I'm nowhere near having a decent job... is it normal that I feel this way?

Side note: I also feel like I've abandoned my dreams, or that I'm chasing the wrong dream. But what even is my dream? :\

Voting Results
88% Normal
Based on 100 votes (88 yes)
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Comments ( 14 )
  • Paradiddle

    I think this is very normal. However, try not to feel that way. Being 21 isn't the same as being 31 and in the same situation. In fact, if you are 21 and already close to finishing college then you're actually doing very well. I know several people in my family who are just going back to college in their 30s after hooking up with the wrong partner, having kids or other responsibilities that they may or may not should have had to deal with that early. Not wanting to socialize is not a bad thing, I find those who run their mouth freely ALOT, especially around friends, are more prone to saying hurtful or even stupid things simply because they don't think before they say things. Most people want a significant other but being single is MUCH better than being with someone who doesn't treat you right or having to trick your brain into settling with someone who isn't right for you just to justify the effort. Of course, nothing is wrong with taking the risk in the first place.

    As for me, although I'm going to school under a Simulation and Game Development degree, I'd really like to go to a music college as mine doesn't have hardly any opportunities in that field and partially feels like a waste of time. There are none like that around though so this is fine for now. Still, be happy about what you've done already at such an early age. Some people never go or finish and some wait until 30+ to do that. Just relax, be proud and keep moving, it'll all fall into place.

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    • I do try to think more positive about it like you suggest but I guess I just feel like a failure because of the people around me. I spend my time around some very successful young people, though many of my closer friends have dropped out of college or something along those lines.
      My degree doesn't have any opportunities either, unless I leave the country. It's weird like that. :\

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      • jax906

        Why get a degree in it if you don't have any opportunities for a professional career? Try to make it a side hobby is what I would do. You don't need a degree to help you if you got talent and can learn on your own. "Everyone" has a degree now. I say stay out of debt, learn on your own, and make your interest into a business of some sort :)

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        • Well, I only made the realisation that there were not many job opportunities regarding my degree after being in it for a few years so I don't think there would have been any point to dropping out there.
          I'm lucky enough to have stayed out of debt at least!

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          • jax906

            That's awesome! I definitely say stay out of debt and get work experience in this economy. Do you have any idea what you would like to do instead?

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            • Not really, haha! But I'm thinking it might be wise to take my college experience and apply that knowledge into a topic I'd find more interesting. But in the meantime I will be attempting to find work. Need to start somewhere I spose.

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  • hellofrompa

    I'm 33 and feel like a failure, though for different reasons. It sounds like you might be suffering from depression.

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  • You think of failure in terms of societal success but, news flash, you'll be dead in a few decades and everything you ever did will wash away upon the sands of time. Any person that truly values themselves by the job they do, opinion of peers, societal standing or fulfillment of dreams is insane.

    If a human being is the most powerful animal on earth, and we are truly all alone, then start behaving like the god you are.

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  • suckonthis9

    Hopefully, in the near future, nearly everyone's perspective on our existence will change. This will, in turn, change your ambitions and outlook. Persevere until then.

    Excursus: Please stop listening to brain-dead politicians. You should not be thinking about or trying to find a 'job'. Instead, you should be thinking about finding meaningful work. A 'job' is only a piece of work, often a small miscellaneous piece of work, or a task which is imposed by a so-called authority or employer.
    You might want to consider an opportunity in self-employment, perhaps in conjunction with others.

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  • Energy

    I think we all feel like that at some point of our lives.

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  • jax906

    I say this is definitely normal! Sounds like you are experencing senioritis to me. I felt much like you did in my senior year of college. But once I got out and started working, meeting new people, and had time to do things (besides read/study for class)- it has been much better! Maybe try to get a job somewhere else or volunteer. Do something out of the ordinary!

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  • Terence_the_viking

    Yes.

    All i can say is i hope you feel better.

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  • DADNSCAL

    This is the result of your programming during your upbringing. No doubt you were criticized and belittled a lot. You need to talk this out, and get on with your life.

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  • linefly1231

    If you don't enjoy something it will be much harder to be motivated. If you do, getting paid for it will be a bonus.

    Change your shit around and do something you enjoy

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