I'm losing my chances little by little
I feel like every day brings me lost opportunities. I currently feel a great loss of passion and no desire to work or build any hope for a better future. I have listened to many self-motivational phrases and also to phrases of blaming my stagnation, and all of that was useless. I tried to get a master's degree in architecture, but even after registering the title of the master's thesis, my ideas stopped flowing and I lost all passion to work on it. I tried to open an architectural design office, but new conditions were issued for practicing the profession that require me to obtain an architectural record that includes my work over a period of three years, which I never had because none of my previous employers attributed any work to me, and now I am unemployed, so I am facing the state without any experience to open my own project and I have no hope in that because I am thirty-three years old and offices and companies prefer to hire fresh graduates. I no longer have hope for anything and I feel that I have no future. I will just remain a burden on my family and useless.
I'm very sorry you're experiencing this. You seem to have been carrying a lot of pressure and disappointment for a long time, so it makes sense that you're feeling exhausted and depressed. Even though your master's degree and opening your own office haven't gone as expected, it does not undermine the talent, dedication, and effort you've put into those endeavors. You've obviously worked hard and tried a variety of different routes. You are someone who has been attempting to make things work in a system that frequently ignores people's hardships; you are neither worthless nor a burden.
It may not be about motivation or exerting more effort at the moment. Perhaps it's simply about allowing yourself time to relax, mourn what hasn't gone as planned, and rediscover your identity beyond career achievement. It's acceptable to feel lost, and you don't have to sort everything out at once. You don't have to face this alone, though; have you thought about speaking with a counselor or therapist? They can guide you through these emotions without passing judgment. Even if you are unable to see the way forward at this time, there are individuals who are concerned about you and wish to assist you in finding it.
@DinaElwy
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You have really worked hard by doing all the required things and I appreciate all your efforts and dedication.
I understand the fact that things are hard now but please do remember that you are worth is not measured by the designations, your talent does not fade away. It is totally fine to take a break and think for strategies for career advancement.
I'm really sorry you're feeling this way. Everything you’ve shared shows just how much effort you’ve put in, even if it feels unnoticed right now. It’s completely okay to feel lost and exhausted—life doesn’t always move in a straight line. You’re not a burden; you’re someone who’s been trying, despite the odds. Sometimes, the world can make us forget our worth, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone. I’m here to listen, and you don’t have to go through this alone. Want to talk more about what part feels the heaviest right now?
@DinaElwyThat sounds really heavy, and I can feel how much you’ve been carrying. Just wanted to say your feelings are real, and you matter even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
Hey Dina,
I just wanted to say thank you for being so open it takes a lot of strength to share something so personal. Reading your words, I could feel the weight you’re carrying, and I just want you to know you’re not alone in feeling this way. Life doesn’t always move in a straight line, especially in fields like architecture where progress can be blocked by factors way beyond your control.
Being 33 doesn’t make you late or a failure it makes you experienced, thoughtful, and resilient. You’ve tried, you’ve pushed through setbacks, and even now, in your pain, you’re still reflecting and seeking meaning. That’s powerful. Maybe right now it feels like you’re standing still, but rest isn’t the same as giving up. Your story’s not over. Please be kind to yourself you deserve that.
If you ever want to talk more or just vent, I’m here. Sending you strength.
@DinaElwy
Thank you for opening up and sharing all of this 💛 I can see how hard you’ve tried, working towards your master’s and trying to open your own design office, and I understand how discouraging it is to keep hitting barriers no matter what you do. I can't even imagine how frustrating it is that your previous employers never attributed work to you, and now that’s stopping you from moving forward. I hear how much it hurts to feel like your age is working against you too, and that’s left you feeling like there’s no hope for your future.
I just want you to know your feelings are completely valid. You’re not useless. You’re someone who has been working hard and faced unfair obstacles, and anyone in your shoes would feel overwhelmed.
Your situation is the same with me but I am trying cop. Today I get out of my House after one month at home during sevre anxiety and fear sickness. Don’t give up, you are near to end your miseries. Dont worry. I’m out of house and fighting the pressure. Right now,
Hi Dina:
I am sorry that you feel depressed. I know how it feels to lose jobs and not be able to find a new one in your profession.
The good news is that you are still young. What activities do you really enjoy? What hobbies do you have? I think your current situation is going to be a blessing in disguise for you. Do you enjoy helping people? There are many people who failed at the first career and were able to transform those deep disappointments into a new career that they really enjoyed like a life coach.
Everything that happens to us is our higher power’s way of pushing us into something that is meaningful to us and makes us happy.
It is okay to feel sad now because you went through a disappointment and you need to work it through. BUT
Remember this could be the best thing that happened to you if you see it as an opportunity to now be able to do things that you find meaningful and are passionate about.
Best wishes,
Bob ❤️
Just a follow up. If after doing a thoughtful brainstorming of what gives you happiness and purpose, you decide to continue to pursue a career in architecture or something similar, then of course do that. It is not for me to suggest what you should do, it is up to you to decide. I agree with some of the other people who suggested you take a little time to destress so you can be in a position to make the best decision for you. I am sure you will make a good choice and be successful in whatever you decide. I also agree that you are not a burden to others and our self worth is an intrinsic gift from God. A good book to read is “Feeling Good the New Mood Therapy” by David Burns.
Best wishes ❤️
@DinaElwy
You’ve been trying so hard, and it’s okay to feel exhausted and discouraged. Your pain is valid, and you are not a burden. You still matter, even in this moment of hopelessness. You’re not alone—I’m here with you. We can take small steps together, at your pace.
@DinaElwyFirst, 33 years old is just the beginning! I'm 44 years old and working on my Masters. We all have different time frames but it's the ones who still try who are the brave.
Your frustration is valid. Losing momentum is hard and we all have gone through it. It’s not weakness—it's a human response. But I want to gently offer this: your worth is not tied to your job title, your income, or even your current sense of direction. It’s okay to feel lost. It doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck forever. Passion can come back, but it often does so quietly, through rest, connection, small steps, or even entirely new paths that we can’t see yet!
I believe there’s more for you. And I hope one day, you can believe it too:)
