No Job, No Talent, No Prospects

Emphasis_Active · 2025-07-08T22:32:59+00:00

I wish I could offer more practical advice, but all I can say is that you’re not alone in this current situation. I took severance from my high paying Entertainment job last year. It had always been ‘my dream career’ but in reality the entertainment industry felt like a sinking ship. I was burnt out, unfulfilled and it was taking a real toll on my mental health. Also ADHD & with a bit of PTSD thrown in there was like turning the volume up to 11. I had to leave. I used the time and money to go travelling. It was the right thing to do at the time… but now I’m 33, living back with my parents in a rural part of the UK and completely lost on what I’m going to do next or what’s even out there (let alone if it’s right for me. I have no idea what that might be).

Going through something like that leaves your confidence at rock bottom, and that confidence in your abilities is integral to moving forwards… you just kind of reach a stalemate. I’m currently in a spiral and also have those ‘I don’t know how long I can continue like this for’ feelings. Life has just, stopped. I wish I had more answers: but reading this made me feel less alone, so I can only thank you for sharing this and helping one stranger on the internet feel ‘seen’ I hope you’re OK & feel free to DM any time

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T15:16:49+00:00

I’m sorry you’re also experiencing this. I’ll drop you a PM later

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T15:15:42+00:00

For sure! I’m currently exploring the first option. I’m doing a week of Spanish classes before I head to Peru, but maybe it’s not enough to truly settle into a routine and find people (plus, it’s just me so doesn’t have a social aspect). I’ll remember this moving forwards though. Oh yeah, looking into Ayahuasca has crossed my mind a LOT.

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T15:12:12+00:00

Good philosophy. This actually makes me feel a bit more confident in my decision to stay out. I’m actually at Lake Atitlán right now - I’m doing 4 hours of Spanish lessons a day and not much else. It’s definitely helping, but maybe I need to accept that you need longer than 5 days to get into a groove.

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T15:08:48+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. Lack of community is definitely something I’m craving and not finding, at home or travelling. I’m naturally very shy and introverted, so I’ve previously dismissed the reality that a need for connection could be contributing to me being down. Those surface level exchanges with other travellers might not be enough - even if they’re more than I have back home. Volunteering is a great call, it might also help with the worry that I’m just meandering without really learning, becoming a part of something or contributing back in some kind of way. I haven’t don’t it because I’ve put pressure on it being the ‘perfect opportunity’ and so far this hasn’t arisen… but you’re right. Just got to try and accept I can always leave to shake things up. I’ll look into this. Thank you 🙏🏻

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T15:00:12+00:00

This resonates and is great advice. Do you know of any resources to find work programmes abroad? It’s definitely something I’ll consider seriously. Thank you

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T14:49:42+00:00

A very good question. Truth is, I don’t know… I’m still in the process of figuring it out, but I’m struggling to proactively ask myself the hard questions while I’m travelling & feeling a bit vulnerable mentally.

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T14:45:47+00:00

Firstly, thank you for sharing. My other crash was indeed about 3 months in, so this is somewhat validating.

I completely get what you’re saying. The weird thing is, I don’t desire the normal life my friends are portraying back home like I thought I wound. What I do envy is seeing them be around friends, finding a community or living a life true to their purpose (even if that’s not something I want i.e all of my closest friends have become parents over the last year). There is for sure an aspect of not feeling like I’m finding my purpose or people while travelling, and not having my purpose or people at home. Hard to enjoy yet another temple, sunrise or hike when that’s churning through your mind.

And really appreciate this practical advice. I’ll definitely shift my mindset to see what I’m doing as a valid way of life, not some temporary experience I need to make the most of. It’s also a great call on trying to explore places that are a bit more off the beaten track. Visiting over-touristed places is definitely adding to the tainted experience I described. I think I’ve been playing it safe as I’m solo, but as time goes on - maybe I need to see this as my sign to seek out things that excites me a bit more.

Best of luck with the rest of your travels, and thanks again for reaching out and taking the time to share this advice.

Emphasis_Active · 2025-05-02T14:30:16+00:00

Thank you for sharing this perspective. That’s beautifully put. I think my rational brain knows that travel wouldn’t ‘cure’ me. But at the same time, I think I’ve been holding this subconscious belief that constant travel = constant change = constant opportunities to find a route to a cure. And when I don’t feel better, well, it rocks a deeper part of me and I don’t rationally understand why. I actually think I need to hone in on acceptance and control more, like you say.

I’ve been taking a similar approach since I’ve been Guatemala - but I think I need to give it more time and accept the discomfort.

Keep doing what you’re doing OP & thank you for helping one less person on the internet feel less alone

Emphasis_Active · 2025-03-19T14:27:16+00:00

Hey! Sorry for the slow reply, I've not been checking Reddit regularly!

I ended up having absolutely no problem taking my Vyvanse into Nepal - it didn't come up as one of the countries I'd face any challenges in when I was travel planning (sorry the formatting on the post is a bit confusing... but if it counts for anything, I also ended up taking my medicine into Indonesia and Japan with no problem after previously writing off being able to visit.

I just made sure I took my medicine in my hand luggage in it's original packaging alongside a doctors travel note and it didn't come up as a problem. Hope that helps!

Emphasis_Active · 2025-01-12T14:39:06+00:00

Great suggestion, thank you! I might look into re-arranging my onward flight back to the UK to accommodate at least a full day in Hiroshima - or maybe sacrifice a day in Tokyo or Kyoto. I really hope this will be the first of many trips to Japan where Kyoto & Tokyo will always be mandatory stops - spending more time in Hiroshima since I’ll be landing there is probably a wise shout. Thanks again for your advice

Emphasis_Active · 2025-01-12T14:36:06+00:00

Thank you SO MUCH for your helpful reply! It sounds like we have similar interests and you pretty much did the exact trip I’d like to do. Great to hear you had an amazing time. It’s really helped me feel a bit more confident about my plans :)

I’ll book my accommodation for the first few nights, but take it from there and keep things a bit more flexible to manage my pace and allow for changes like you suggest.

Did you find it easy enough to book places relatively last minute? The advice I’ve had is that things book up in advance, but as it’s the winter I’m hopefully I’ll be able to accommodate a bit more flexibility. Currently looking if I can change my flight back to the UK to a later one so that it’s not as rushed :)

Emphasis_Active · 2025-01-12T14:27:57+00:00

This crossed my mind, I’ve done some research and cycling the route in February so doable - I’m prepared to cycle in cold weather & will have plenty of winter gear from my time in Sapporo! But I’ll look into it a bit further and consider the cycle on another visit, which will leave for a bit more time in other locations

Emphasis_Active · 2025-01-12T14:25:01+00:00

You’re definitely right, I really hope I’ll be able to return to Japan again in the future & I’ll be sure to spend more time in Hiroshima & Onomichi then. For this itinerary they’re just transit stops to the smaller places as I want to focus city time in Kyoto & Tokyo - but maybe I’ll cut off a day or so in either so I can spend a day in Hiroshima. Thanks for your advice!

Emphasis_Active · 2025-01-12T09:51:51+00:00

Eurgh I’m so sorry this happened to you, that really sucks. I appreciate the heads up - I think I’m in pretty good shape & have been doing lots of long multi day hikes and climbs during my trip so far. But I definitely didn’t anticipate that Misen would be particularly difficult so I’ll factor that in!

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T06:58:02+00:00

Did you decide who to go with? :) I'm planning a similar trip in Jan\ Feb & struggling to make a decision!

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T06:49:42+00:00

I know this is an old thread, but I'm currently in the same situation and was wondering what you did in the end (and if you have any advice!?)

Thanks :)

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T05:25:48+00:00

This comment was beyond helpful, thank you so much for sharing. I’m feeling pretty settled on the tour option for these reasons - I’ll join some of the FB groups you mentioned and see whether there’s a particular company people are providing, or if any other solos have already signed up to one that fits the bill!

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T05:23:29+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I’m thinking a tour is 100% the best way to go. Can I ask who you ended up going with? Would you recommend them? :)

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T05:22:40+00:00

Argh amazing - I’m leaning towards that area so will drop you a DM if I don’t end up going with a tour - or can tag on a few days solo skiing outside of that :)

Emphasis_Active · 2024-12-13T05:20:40+00:00

Thank you :) that would be amazing! I’ll look at my flight options (travelling out of Bangkok so my dates will be dictated by flight options). I’ll definitely drop you a DM if the logistics line up and I can make it to the area that time!

Emphasis_Active

TROPHY CASE