growing up as a gifted kid was dope. my natural intelligence helped me breeze through school without stress. i also had parents who made a decent living, so i was showered with cool gifts that turned into life long hobbies. when senior year came around i got involved with my first love, derailing my whole future. started smoking weed, drinking, sex, skipping classes. i was extremely lucky to have graduated on time (had to clep out). instead of pursuing a future in education, i followed this girl where she went. my parents hated me for this and cut me off financially. obviously it didn't work and when covid hit, i had the perfect reason to disappear and move back in with parentals. i feel like i've wasted the last 5 years. i've been stuck in this instant gratification limbo of working half a year, getting depressed, quitting and moving back in with my parents. is this really all there is to life? going back to school seems so intimidating now that i'm no longer 18. what should my first step be? i'm so depressed

>>33286713 (OP)
Have you considered blaming your parents for ruining your life when they allowed you to move back in with them?

>>33286736
i've dwelled a lot over my mistakes in the past. i'm very grateful for them but can't help but feel they've sheltered me a lot. i've been homeless for some time in between addresses. it's not fun. what do u suggest?

>>33286769
Move out and stay out, no matter how hard it is. Ideally your parents would have done that, but apparently they're too weak and are willing to indulge your predilection for failure. One way or another you need to get off your ass and learn how to fend for yourself, rather than taking the easy failure route of coasting along by cashing in on your family's pity.

>>33286713 (OP)
A casebook example of what can happen with a long-term plan. OP, read the better known books on life planning.

>>33287397
>with
*without

>>33287397
i started reading the subtle art of not giving a fuck and it's really good. do you have any recs?

>>33287507
Succeeding by John T. Reed.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey (especially the chart)
What Color if Your Parachute by Bolles