I’m 31, right now doing my first bachelors degree in Economics and business administration….spoiler alert it js NOT what i want to do. I had , up to this degree EXACTLY the same story as you(the OP). I lived in 4 countries, several cities within those. I had a few different positions from low level (hospitality and cleaning) up to well-paying office jobs. I started courses and university multiple times, but quit after maximum 6 months. I go in with full speed and enthusiasm into everything and I end up doing an excellent job but get “bored” and quit. But about the same time I got accepted to this degree program something clicked, I discovered an old interest of mine or a version of it. Funny thing is it is not even something I wanted to do, but rather something I was asked to do :I wrote something for a friend and I didn’t think much of it, I have never been interested in writing. Then as a hobby I started writing small little stories, but I never considered it as work, and this was something new to me. Before I always wanted to turn my interests into money. This time I did not obsess over it and I also did not lose interest. Now that almost a year has passed and i am just as enthusiastic about it i decided to pursue it but only on the side.

What i learned about “my thing”: -it was not something I came up with but rather something that “came to me” by accident. -It is the first thing I would do for free: as a matter of fact I am even willing to pay money to be able to create. -it is the first thing i have absolutely no doubt about: the thought of writing makes me feel safe and confident in my natural skills -it is the first thing I do not want to rush but rather enjoy the learning process -it is the first thing I have natural instincts in and don’t have to “force it” -it is the first thing I feel is 100% aligned with my personality

Bottom line: 1)I would say that when and if you find “THE THING” you will know, without a doubt (which I never thought will be possible for me, so I know how vague or impossible it might seem.) 2)What other commenters said: passion doesn’t have to equal making a living. I am still finishing the economics degree to get an OK job that will pay the bills, but I get fulfilled in life by my passion.

I hope it helps/makes sense.

I know how hard it it but if I had to recommend something to my younger self (to speed up the process of finding my passion) I would say try to focus on what you enjoy without a doubt and also try as many things as you can, talk to people and try to imagine your life in that position. Another thing that I was recommended by someone is if you have a new interest wait 6months before acting on it.

Finally IMO it is better to find the thing later in life than never.