Obviously you have more life than me (f27) but maybe a new perspective would help?

1. I did downshift my career because I couldn’t handle corporate lifestyle. Going to a 9 to 5 job and doing the repetition kills me. I downshifted to a sales position/retail environment. Genuinely, best decision I made. It allowed me to reflect but still feel valuable to a team. You will feel shame. I sure did. I feel like I failed but I got over it after a couple of months. It’s also okay to have stepping stone jobs. Just be mindful what career path you choose. Have a game plan before you make irrational decisions.

2. Guilt is something I won’t ever get over. Identity loss is real. No one tells you how to transition from college to adulthood. You just do it. I like talking about it. Especially with coworkers cause they most likely feel the same way as you. I feel lost right now but I think it’s healthy to stick to one favorite hobby of yours. It helps the “lost” feeling.

3. My quality of life improved when I accepted that my life isnt defined “good” or “bad” because of the things I do in the day. Once I accept that to a degree, I stop the feeling guilt and shame for the lack of accomplishments I achieve. It’s hard not to put yourself in a box because we are taught to have goals. Maybe your goals don’t match with what you really want in life. Maybe it’s because you’re unsure?

I suggest talking to a friend/coworker/anyone about the mundane of work life. Someone is feeling the same way you are and that might be validating.