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No girlfriend, dead end job, living at my mom's, and no light at the end of the tunnel in sight. Went back to school at 29, now I'm 32 living in a new state, met the woman I'm going to marry, almost done with my bachelors and heading to Dublin to study abroad in the Fall. Life can change dramatically in a short period of time 😊

Ah this is really encouraging to hear

So true. I’m 40 about to marry the love of my life with a career I genuinely enjoy. Instead of dead which I thought was all what was to happen up til two years ago Life is so strange

Miraculous! Is the word I like to use to describe this silly little life. I'm a 23 y/o baby and I've experienced first-hand just how spontaneous and brilliant life can be. Any day now you could have your whole world flipped upside down and you only realize how miraculous it was weeks or months later. That fact of that reality has me feeling so excited to just be here every day, man.

Such a pure perspective to have. I was traumatized at a young age, so I never got a chance to see life that way. I hope you get to keep that wholesome spirit.

Deal with that trauma, and you'll be unstoppable. I've been there. We can be the most dangerous and productive people.

So you’re saying I’m never going to have that realization that propels my life into a positive direction?

In my experience there’s no one realization. Major changes in life are made up of small changes with consistency. Pick one area in your life you’d like to change & start with one small action. Then again & again. Regularly re-evaluate your goals & where you spend your time. Read up on the topic of personal agency. Just about everything is possible.

Hehe we all feel like this at 23

I'll second this, at 28 I was a ski bum (a true dirt bag not a trustafarian) working at a bar and living in a shitty apartment above said bar. I decided to go back to school for accounting and now I am prepping for the CPA exam, getting married to a good woman next summer and we own a home. Life comes at you fast, sometimes you have to grab it by the horns and make shit happen.

Turn 28 soon, abusive family is dead and all I have is my sister. Homeless, jobless, and still a kissless virgin. Been suicidal (unable to do it, no risk to myself. Yay survival instinct?) since 14. Didn't learn to tie my shoe until 22, now I'm learning about credit scores and that taxes doesn't mean I just get free money every year. Lost my dream job and my first apartment last year from my first psychotic episode, which was my biggest fear since skitzophrenia runs on my mother's side. Missing left eye and kidney from birth defects, and now have a cystic tumor pressing on my left (again lol) carotid artery. I sleep in a shelter and learned a week ago about 'ghost jobs' so I went to a job center, bye Indeed! People constantly say 'I'm so sorry' whenever they heard my story, but I've learned a lot in a short amount of time. I just try to enjoy the small things in life, focus on getting myself out of povery pit and continue learning new things others might find 'normal'.

Damn. You should have a YouTube channel.

Bros life would likely turn around like a MF if done right

You have a really nice transcription language. Very good grammar and punctuation. Have you considered a career that involves writing?

At 28, I was homeless for the 2nd time with a bad kidney and been through some of the same experiences. One exception being that I grew up with a decent education so I knew what the other side of the coin looked like. But with incredible mental health issues, I just couldn't bring my life into balance. 35 now. I have my own place, a dog, a yard, great neighbors, a car, and peace. At the end of the day, I get to sit on my porch with my dog and watch the sunset. Doesn't get much better than that to me. A change is possible and I wish you the best my friend. Best of luck with the agency instead of indeed. Definitely a better idea :)

I was going to complain about being married to guy who was a loud chewer but I'll sit down.

Loud chewers are almost as bad as a warm toilet seat.

Keep pushing through your story will inspire someone else in your current situation. It's temporary not permanent. Fuck saying sorry because LIFE doesn't give a fuck. You've taken the hits and curveballs life throws at you have bounced back and still here.

This is meant to be constructive, so please don't take it the wrong way. Maybe stop telling everyone the story of how your life sucks and start creating a new story where you are the main character and you are building something good. How you frame and perceive your world is possibly the most important ingredient in how you will live it. Start small and build momentum. You got this.

Loool “schizophrenic suicidal and homeless with a host of serious medical issues? I think the real problem here is your outlook.”

theres nothing wrong with vulnerablilty he doesnt have to lie if you wanna read stories that helps keep you in the box live in, go ahead

This is what you say to someone who had like been dumped not someone with serious and very real hurdles lol.

stop comparing yourself to others.

It’s hard not to. I had this problem for a while.

The better advice is to compare yourself to those less privileged, of which there are many, and realize you have a life and potential opportunity for growth that some of them will never have.

Yep! Took me a while to get there. Being young it’s hard not to compare. Getting older helps lol

The best advice is to be yourself. Follow the path that speaks to you, just as others followed the path that spoke to them. Not everyone is meant to be a neurologist and not everyone is meant to be a carpenter. I'd damn sure trust the carpenter over a neurologist to build a deck l, but I might not be so keen on a carpenter giving me brain surgery. There's no *real* level of prestige associated with either, different strokes for different folks 🙂 Follow your heart and the rest will tag along 🙏

Had never heard it put this way before. Thank you.

At 28 I was wandering around Alaaka hopping on fishing boats, living in my truck with my dog. Smoking weed and getting drunk. Reading books and figuring out myself. Now I'm 53, married with a kid, run a business. Barely work. Net worth 3.5 mil. Amazing wife, supportive, sexy, best friend. Good social circle..old friends, some new. The coolest son in the world, who is my number 1 priority.

53 as well and almost identical story except i was living on my sailboat. strange. (Net is half that though...and I have 2 kids)

a wife and a sexy bestfriend ? way to go!

What type of business?

I love this

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29, left a situation similar to yours (without a backup plan) and now I’m really financially unstable. I’m interviewing for a job Monday that could lead to a decent career

Good luck!

Aww thank you!!

Good luck at the interview!!

Good luck to you.

Fresh out of a 10 year relationship living alone in a house I could barely afford. Life gets better.

At 28 I had two children, a wife, and sporadic work. I had no idea what I was doing other than making it work week after week. Eventually heard about an upcoming field of work in something called IT. Did some retraining; ate shit for a couple years; then started out on a so far 25 year career in various IT roles. Worked out. Still married to the same fantastic lady. My kids are successful. Have a grandchild. You never know where you are going to end up. At 28, I had no idea where things would go.

Same thing, more or less, happened with me. Now 70 and I haven't been chronically miserable and broke for a long time!

At 28 I had 2 kids and just finished nursing school.. it was hard. I personally wouldn’t stay at a job if the boss was unbearable. There is just to many opportunities out there for me to be missable

Homeless, living under a table in a park. Working at dollar general with holes in me shoes. Keep going I promise life gets better for those that refuse to quit.

You are not behind I promise. I’ve rarely met someone who has their shit figured out at your age. These struggles are all apart of the journey. I was married with two kids and a third on the way, broke as fuck, living in a run down apartment a thousand miles from home. Terrible alcoholic, hated myself, couldn’t see how things would turn out ok. 12 years later I live very comfortably. I got sober and was able to salvage my marriage. Found a career that pays well and isn’t boring, and worked my way up over the course of my thirties. Most importantly I learned to love myself, and found peace.

27, currently taking a month off work to travel. I’m not anywhere with anything, just out here floating. Iv decided that I don’t really care what happens. I fried my brain now I ain’t ever stressin.

I was married for 4 years with a 2 year old daughter at a job I absolutely hated

addicted to meth sadly. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Get better soon

ohh i did im ok now. thank tiu though. i got addicted after my mom died for like a solid 3 years so it wasnt too long. i think there was a year of coke in there too.

if you want to sober up, the city will give you resources. sometimes they are hard to access and the process is miserable, but let this be your wake up call brother. It's change the habit or end up dead, no inbetween.

im good now! no worries. dropped the shit on my own awhile back.

28 currently. Jobless, college drop out, live in a small apartment with my parents and girlfriend. Waiting on employment services to call me so I can find and stay at a job with my mental disorders. Just riding the wave. Hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

I turned 28 a week ago. I’m working for a well respected power tool manufacturer in the regulatory department. Work life balance is good, I’m not micromanaged in the slightest, and basically working like 32-35 hours a week. Get good PTO time. Have a great group of friends I see pretty regularly, granted. I’m still living in my home city (~800k people so not smalll). Single and living in a 2 bed apt, no serious relationship right now, but I’ve been enjoying meeting new people and going on dates. I try to get to the gym regularly but struggle a bit more with consistency than I did when I was in college

At 28 I was happily single in my own apartment. My career was stagnant a bit (started there at 18) but it paid decent and I’d been promoted several times so there was no reason to worry. I definitely partied quite a bit, probably more than I should have. I was concerned that I wasn’t doing enough with my life like I was being left behind. My major concern at the time was with my mom‘s health, she ended up passing when I was 30. That was also partly the reason why I wanted to stay single, I didn’t want to drag anybody else into that situation. She was an alcoholic. That was 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve worked for three other companies. The first move at age 34 to another company. These were jobs that all became steppingstones to what I’m doing now. Each one paid better than the one before it. I’ve done OK financially and purchased a house in my late 30s. I intentionally stayed single until about a year ago. Planning on an engagement soon. Your perspective changes as you get older and you stop worrying about what everybody else is doing. You eventually realize that you have to prioritize yourself and your happiness. You may have to strike a balance between money and a job you can tolerate but hopefully you’ll find both.

The bit about not caring what others are doing is huge. I didn’t realize this until I moved to another state and got away from family and friends. It sucks being further away but you realize that in truth, no one REALLY cares what you’re doing and all the imaginary pressure to live up to the expectation of others dissipates. An added benefit is that my wife and I have to rely on each other much more and it has brought us closer together. OP’s comment about “feeling behind” is how alot of us feel but for me it was also because of that pressure I was feeling to be “successful” in the eyes of others. Now I’m only concerned with doing well to ensure my family is taken care of.

Comparison to others is the cruelest form of self sabotage. This can't be what you want to do with your work life. Figure out what that is and give yourself a huge gift and go do it. I was 30 and I went to law school. Now I am 62 and it was the best thing I ever did for myself and my family, and my pocket book. Loved the work and was pretty good at it. Retired from it and on to something else. Grow a pair and go for it!!

I started 28 living in Kansas City with a small house, a solid (on paper) job in technology, A great girlfriend, fantastic friend group, cars and motorcycles. Lots of things, and by all accounts doing awesome. I, also had a feeling something was wrong, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was wrong. I came to the conclusion that one of the many spectrums people fall on is the "Haver... Doer" spectrum. The people I admired has interesting life experience, they were doers of things, always had interesting stories. I had become a Haver of things. I had all these things, and to a large extent even most of my travel stories felt almost curated. That was the problem, what I valued in others I wasn't cultivating within myself. So by the end of 28 I had taking a voluntary seperation plan at work, sold my things (house, vehicals etc.. .) and moved to NYC to start experiencing the world as a resident not just a tourist and through that become a better person. To be more Doer and less Haver. Almost 20 years later, I don't regret the decision. 28 is not young in general. typically 10 years post high school as an adult (in the US anyway) Is enough time to grow and form an understanding of the world around you... but it is still young enough to recover from most mistakes and set backs. Sometimes life is like a slingshot, you need to pull back to move forward.

28 I was figuring shit out and just doing what made me feel happy and in love with life. this after a long time being unhappy and not following my own path. my path continued in the direction of what made me happy. by 35 i was married to the nicest and cutest person id ever met. by 45 i had two sons, a successful business and a lot of good tight friends. 53 now. 26-32 were amazing/scary/fun/uncertain/growth time. would do again.

I’m so confused how so many people just have their own businesses. How did you know what you wanted to start?

it just happens. an idea or something that clicks for you and you see an opportunity to fill a void. takes a special kind of ego to think you can actually do it.. and then jump into the fire. One attribute of successfully self employed people that i've noticed is accountability/get er done attitude. never say die. not that you think you CAN definitely do it.. you just refuse to quit and you keep trying to do 'it'better with each attempt....

I was nowhere but I had a realistic plan and worked hard for it, now I’m somewhere.

28 was a massive life changing year. I got married and quit my career. I was 6 years into my tenured teaching career and quit mid year due to intense burnout. Shortly after I turned 29, my husband and I relocated 12 hours away. 33 now with two kids, back in our original state. Life is crazy.

I hear you with the burnout and teaching, congrats on listening to your needs and health!

At 28 I was alone and was told I had maybe 5 years left to live

Omg! How are you doing now?

So im on year 8 almost 9 now! I’m doing so much better, my heart function went from 5% to 30%. I’ve lost 300lbs and I’m in a serious relationship. I did have to have 2 heart devices implanted but I’m perfectly okay with that since they’ve helped me a lot!

29 here. Last year I had moved far away from family for a new job, which I immediately regretted. No room for growth and shitty boss, overall toxic workplace. It did pay well and have nice benefits, but I was so miserable all the time and missed my family. I also got married to my husband, who had followed me when I moved away from family-he also left his family behind. This year I finally quit that job and have a new wfh job and my husband and I Uber together on the side. We’re also waiting for my parents to get approved to buy a house so we can all live together again 🥰 Edit: Forgot to mention I also started working towards an engineering degree this year.

I just turned 28. I have a job I love, and it is lucrative. My hubby and I own our home and a vacation home. I am only partially reasonable for that. My husband makes less but has stellar benefits. Here is the part you don't want to emolate.....I have seven kids. Luckily, we can afford them, but done now.

You have seven kids at 28 years old and working a lucrative job? That is insanity

My 2nd year of grad school.

Married 9 years. 3 kids and had worked at my employer for 10 years. Health was fine and finances were starting to come together.

Traveling, concerts and a lot of drugs.

Four years in the future…

At 28 I was living in an apartment with a friend, working at my first job out of engineering school (which I eventually learned was a completely dead end), 8 months into dating my future wife.

I  had moved across the country a few months prior to start a new job for the 3rd time and just bought a house right before my 28th birthday.  

Was in a bit of a weird spot. I was a few years into a mediocre tech career, but had just gotten laid off. Ended up burning through all my savings before I managed to find work again. In hindsight I didn't cut down on expenses as much as I should've (too much eating out, driving, etc.) but at the time I had no idea it would take so long to get a job. When my current job offer finally came through, I was starting to apply to restaurant jobs, delivery driver jobs, stuff like that. I was pretty depressed. I consider it a victory that I at least avoided moving back in with my parents. However, I had no idea back then what the hell I was doing with regards to dating. I had had one real relationship ever, which had gradually turned toxic (basically my partner ignoring me until I left). I'm 29 now and I'm taking much more initiative in that regard. I want to get married and start a family eventually. I've gotten past my fear of the dating apps and had some success so far, and I'm developing a clearer picture of what I want in a partner.

I was out having big fun and glad we didn’t have cell phones lol!

Addicted to drugs and evading the law at 28...then I also got clean at 28 and have been clean ever since

Living in a studio, almost minimum wage job, some savings from playing with crypto, no relationship, no family support, very healthy, no good proof of any education.

I was 28 in 1993. I was lucky enough to have a good job and had a house. However I got pregnant unexpectedly by a man I had broken up with when we had one last goodbye fling. I had the baby alone and he disappeared. I raised her and she’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I remember how upsetting it was being pregnant and knowing I would be a single parent, but life has a way of working out. If my unplanned pregnancy hadn’t happened, I don’t think I would ever have had kids. I’m a grandma now too. You’ll be okay; everyone has periods of struggles and we can’t compare ourselves to one another. Best of luck to you ❤️

I was in the Navy, deployed to the Persian gulf, married 4 years, owned our first home. Wife was 25.

I’m 22 and man the scary thing is that’s not to far for me , I plan on getting a trade or cdl before that age and hopefully married or putting down or buying my house and having a stable career. Good luck to you , I can relate to being a late bloomer in life hopefully you find your passion and balance in your life

Trust me bro, you’re not a late bloomer and still Have plenty of time to set yourself up. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking you have all the time in the world. At 22 I was working at what I thought was great job making great money for my age but I neglected to continue improving myself and dedicated all my time and energy into earning money for the company. Im 29 now and am focused on education and getting IT certifications to get a pay jump in my next role. At 22 I was only concerned with working and playing games and told myself I was still young and had plenty of time to self improve. The problem is those days turn into years fast 😂 never get too complacent even if it seems like you’re doing pretty well where you are. Keep pushing for more.

At 28, I had just been promoted to manager of a team at a call center. Right as I came into the promotion, upper management decided that they wanted to change how we utilized our people, so my very first task was to take on enough extra folks from another team to effectively double my team size, and then train everyone in everything that both teams had handled separately before. It could have been chaos, but I did so well with it that trade magazines were coming in and interviewing me for articles about how to lead in the new model. Every new account wanted to meet me, which meant wining and dining prospective clients. I was at the absolute top of my game, and gaining confidence. That confidence would eventually help me to leave an abusive relationship and reinvent myself. I could've stuck with that relationship and tried to have kids and do the whole family thing, but it was making me suicidal, so who knows if I'd be around today to talk about it. Don't get trapped into thinking that life has to follow a schedule. I eventually did meet someone amazing, got married at 37, and have the healthiest relationship I could imagine. We didn't have kids, but that was by choice. Instead, I rescue cats. There are currently 10 fosters in my living room.

Single father raising two kids. After my ex-wife cheated on me I decided to go back to school. Now I'm about to graduate, remarried, and am a lot happier.

Wow, 28. I had an ok job, had just bought a house, then my wife decided to leave. Things were a bit weird, but I met a stunning girl, who I only dated briefly, but who really restored my self confidence. I worked on myself, got a dog and a motorcycle and started a band (less of an early mid life crisis, more making up for lost time).

At 28, I was married with first kid on the way. Working 50+ hours a week in IT and making good money for the time. Was over 20 years ago, tho - a different day and age, unfortunately.

Had just finished my teaching credential. I substitute taught and ran the after-school care at a private school. The following year I was hired in October by the public district because the superintendent was married to one of the private school teachers. It was my foot in the door, so having a connection was a huge part of my future career. I still feel fortunate.

Can't remember but I assume making a bad decision.

I was 28 in 1998. Yep, I’m old. In 1998 I was trying to decide whether to leave the military and go back to school or to move my family from Colorado to Germany for my next military assignment. Surprisingly to some, I chose school. It was hard. Very hard. Had a wife and two kids and no financial support from anyone. But I earned an engineering degree. Now I’m just on the cusp of retirement. Been a decent life and I feel blessed.

OK job, not millionaire making, but plenty of perks and a bit of savings, half decent car, but terminally single and living at home. one grandparent died that year, the other was put in a home by the hospital after about 4 near death infections so our tenancy was dropped and basically had to move out or end up broke. Probably was a matter of weeks/months from suicide and would have 100% tried if I saw a screamingly obvious chance that would probably work. 31 now, Still terminally single, still at home but moved to somewhere reasonably secure for a few years, still in the same job which I enjoy, I just picked up a couple hobbies and now have maybe enough for a deposit, so if I see a shot at a house I could buy alone then I'll probably take it. Don't really know what else to do tbh.

…..I thought I was behind and I’m almost 25, with no college education, no emergency funds, no health insurance, and making less than everyone I work with, even though I feel I put in more work than the others.

Morbidly obese, in a failing marriage, not the best dad, constantly stressed at work (sped teacher), didn’t believe in therapy or counseling, barely able to make ends meet.  I’m 38 now and I make 3x as much in a fulfilling job (5 levels above my previous job, high ranking sped admin), happily divorced but still Friends with ex and strong coparents, a good dad, 5th year of therapy, in an extremely happy 4 year relationship with an amazing woman who I love and my kids love and loves my kids.  (I also lost all the weight and was super hot for years but now I’m like in between fat me and hot me 😂). It’s going to be OK. Networking, learning, therapy if you need it. And more networking. You got this

Also, ECE is a hot career. The feds have mandated transitional Kindergarten and in almost every state, ECE specialists and TK teachers will be in high demand indefinitely if you like the littles. 

-At 28 had just gotten broken up with with my now-wife (the break up was my fault) we were dating since 2016 -Was at a dead end job  -renting an apartment with my parents.  Now at 30 - I married my wife last September (worked in out the in the end )  - I have a condo and a home (can comfortably pay both mortgages) my parents live in the house me and my wife in the condo.  - new job (good wages) Plus an increase  to 6 figurea coming before June Life is a ton better than it was when I was 28. In only 2 years my life took a turn for the best.  

At 28, I had no SO, a dead-end job managing in retail, a drinking problem, had gained 30 lbs, and had no hope. I took a chance at 29 and applied to my dream job. I got it. Now I'm 31,making six figures, a great SO, and I'm sober, and im exercising again. It gets better, but you have to take a few risks and work really hard. Never stop moving forward. A baby step is a step.

I was single and having a great time. I had to grind in a string of shit jobs first but at 28 I had found one I loved. The team I worked with were people I respected and enjoyed knowing. IMO, the people are what make a job worth going to. If you are not clicking with people at work, you don't have to stay. Always be building your resume. Always have an exit strategy. Go on interviews just for fun. Company loyalty is dead.

Addicted to DPH rotting away doing jackshit, fat and depressed as hell. All that has changed drastically for the better.

I'm 42 and I'm still in your boat as far as conventional life value goes, but I've been living with more intention for the last few years and it feels pretty darn good. I quit drinking, smoking, smoking pot, caffeine and I've lost 100lbs. I also published my first book. Wish I had started this mode of action when I was 28. I asked myself the question earlier today, "What do I want out of life?" My answer was that I want to add value to the world and I want to love and be loved. I realized that I'm already doing that and I'm getting better and better at it. I may never be a millionaire, but I'll be damned if I don't make this world a little better and have meaningful relationships with the people around me. We are all in this thing together, whatever it is, let's make the best of it.

A philosopher said that our will cannot will backwards and so, it takes revenge on us by creating punishment and guilt. This then leads to us living lives whose very purposes are to be guilty and to be punished/punish others. This is madness. It is the tragedy of being unable to change the past! That philosopher was Nietzsche. You can only will forwards. Only seek goals in the future! Your age and where you are no doesn’t matter. Your post here is futile. You need less comparison, less guilt and I dare say, less self punishment…. Free yourself and make goals for tomorrow. The past cannot be changed.

I was 1 year into my relationship. No kids of my own, but my boyfriend (husband now) has kids so I would treat them like my own in the sense that I would spoil them when we saw each other. Worked full time and was doing part-time school finishing up my Bachelor's degree. My benefits through work were decent. I was living in the same apartment I am still living in today. It took me to learn this, but don't compare yourself/your life to other people's lives. I used to do that and it made it really hard on myself. I felt like there was something wrong with me for the longest time since I wasn't like my high school friends. Also - if you want to go to school, do it! Start with general education (you can do this at a community college too and it'd be cheaper). What are your passions? What would fill your bucket each day? I found out that I wanted to be in the business side of health care after working at a local hospital doing various roles. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree when I was 29 and then kept going on for my Master's (just finished this week). I'm 32 now and if I could go back I'd tell myself to chill. Keep elevating yourself, learn different things, and take the leap if you want to find a different job or go to school.

Just finished college, crappiest legal intake job ever my longest relationship was less than 6 months. 29 started a new job, met my now husband. 31 bought a house by myself. Lost the post college job. Covid. 35 applied and got into law school 36 married my husband in the middle of my 1st year of law school. Life’s not a race. There is no timeline to going after what you want.

Will be 28 this year. Ive been married for 5yrs, have a 3 month old and were homeowners for the past 4yrs (we bought before COVID so it barely counts tbh). I'm a BMW technician and love my career but it's taken me a while to get to the point I'm at mentally with accepting that "I'm just a mechanic". My parents aren't happy with my career choice. Doesn't bother me I make solid money and know a valuable skill. Physically, I've let my body go to shit. Back hurts, knees hurt, etc etc. Some from work some from being a over weight turd. All in all life's good, but don't compare yourself to others. I know folks younger than me doing 100x better and I know folks older than me doing 100x worse.

At 26ish I was thriving, had a 6 figure job with a company with endless opportunities. Then came drugs. Lost everything. Took until around 32 to become completely clean. I'm now 35, have a reasonably successful career since abstinence. I am however transitioning to a different industry and taking a considerable pay cut, though the growth opportunities will hopefully counteract this in the long run. I own my apartment, currently dating (pretty brutal out there at this age tbh, but always optimistic). Health wise, I have never been in better shape. From memory, at my lowest I was around 60kg, now 80kg and lean. One thing I've learnt throughout this rollercoaster, is to never compare myself to my friends or colleagues. Everyone has their own journey / goals, and each person will get there in their own ways. **OP** - out of curiosity, what type of employment are you currently engaged in?

A hot mess.

I was in a terrible spot then. I had my twins, two sets and they were six and eight. I was separated from my husband, their dad, but we all lived together. I was miserable. I was working as a CNA, so very stressful physically and emotionally. Things are just about as bad now, but in completely different ways. I'm one of those people who keeps going in circles all through life. I need to either die or change. I'm 52.

At 28 I had a decent full time job where I was finally starting to earn respect, but I had a rapidly deteriorating long term relationship and had already lost basically my entire friend network

I had a good government job, an apartment, and a partner. It was good, I thought. But I was very much burnt out but in denial.

At 28 I was several months out of a long term relationship where his family had become mine, so I felt like I had lost an entire family all at once. Was working a dead end min wage job and trying to attend university part time, but had to drop the classes after the breakup and couldn't afford to continue my education. It's been several years now, I'm in my thirties. I'm living in another province, closer to my family. I'm getting married to a wonderful man this summer, and my ex's family, who I thought I would lose, stayed connected to me and are actually coming to my wedding. I haven't resumed my studies yet, but the plan is that I'll be able to once we get married and settled. For now I'm just working at a job to pay the bills, and I'm very okay with that. Being successful in life is less about what you do for work, and more about feeling like you enjoy your life, and it has meaning. If you don't find that in your job, find it somewhere else. Your job is allowed to be just a job. Life is barely starting at 28. You've only had autonomy over your life direction for at most 8-10 years. That's not a long time in the scheme of things, and certainly not long enough to have shit figured out. The more comfortable I get with being exactly where I am in life, the better life gets. You don't need anyone else to tell you where you "should be". You are where you are, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Can I just say - comparison with other people is such a downward spiral thing to do. We’re all different, we have different desires, goals, and experiences. There is no set path or timeframe for anything.

Mars

Fuck knows. Off my tits somewhere living life to the max 🙌

It's easy to feel behind, or lost, and sometimes hard not to compare yourself. Things can change, especially if you want them to, if you seek the change. There are so many things people can do, and it doesn't all require education, experience or specialized training. Even just finding a solid manufacturing job can take someone from a <$20k part-time to well above median income in a pretty short time if you're willing to just show up and sweat and be sore. At 28, I had been staying at my brother's, and then got my first apartment with a girl I had met. Worked a couple different jobs, got laid off, drew unemployment, worked temp jobs, struggled a bit. Now at 46, we're married with a 14 year old, own a house and I drive a new car. And I still feel like a kid inside in the sense of being lost about some things. Being an adult is nothing like how I thought it would be when I was a kid. Life is just whatever you make it. You don't have to have it all figured out at any point in time. You don't have to do any particular things to have success or be proud or content.

At 28, I was at an ok job with lots of opportunity for growth, with a girlfriend (now wife), and in a lot of debt, lol. If you can find a job where you can move upward, it's a lifesaver. I'm at the same company, but now I'm one of two directors overseeing the entire department. My higher-ups really helped me move up when they saw that I was serious about my job.

At 28, I was dating and living with my now husband. I had just left my corporate job to start my own business, and I was terrified. I’m happy to say it worked out! I’m 33 now and still working for myself with better clients than I could have dreamed of back then. I got married, we moved to a new state and now have the best little kid in the world.

Im european, at 28 I had no stable job in IT, the pay was the minimum wage with which I could barely pay the room in the flat I was living with other flatmates, bills, and basics. I didn’t had savings, I couldn’t do that, no holidays, no gf, but I don’t consider that a life goal, no nothing. Now Im 41, working as IT engineer, and finally have a much better work - economic situation.

At 28 I had already been in the Navy for 10 years. Cause I joined at 18. I had been married for 3 years and just about to have my second child. I had owned my first home for a little over 2 years. Traveled to multiple countries already. I think 14 or so at the time. Your doing about average for most 28 year olds. If you don't like your situation start working on your resume and putting in for other companies to work for. I can't imagine staying with a completely if you have a terrible vid just because your making ends meet. You could likely be finding better jobs that pay more. It feels daunting and scary but it's better than living in the rut your in already. Now at 36 I have 2 years left till retirement with the homesteading dream so y and ready to go. I paid for wife's education for nursing and she will be the main breadwinner after I get out and I'll be managing the homesteading business while taking care of the kids and home chores.

At 28 I was at home during covid lockdown finding out my unique potential

Moved back home, worked at a relatives chip shop which didn’t do anything for my resume or get real world skills/experience. Became agoraphobic for three after a meltdown and dealing with many karens.

At 28 the economic crisis in my country hit us like a runaway train. From a semi stable situation everything went tits up in the span of a few months after the blast of the cannon. Lost my job and couldn't get a new one because businesses in the field was closing shop left and right and those that were left they put 10 jobs in one for less than minimum wage. Inflation went so high that your salary couldn't cover your rent so you were either left on the street or went back to your parents house. I got a job making and serving coffee that lasted me just as much time between my 20 - 28, 28 - 35. Got a job in a call center and hated my guts and monthly pay was about a night's drinks in normal Western countries. Left my country and went to a couple of them only to end up in the UK that i am now counting my 5th year living here. I will say LOL to romantic, friends etc since my 28 (i am 43 now) and it's been only the past year or so i am trying to built towards being stable. Millions of people in the same boat as me. At my age i basically still live as a "traveler". No house of my own, renting is stupid high with no light at the end of the tunnel. I don't feel old, i certainly don't perform old and i still feel like i will be able to succeed. You just need to manage your expectations and work towards that.

Girlfriend living with me and we have a lot of tension, better relationship with my parents, great relationships with my siblings. I've done a lot of things, I was a police officer, I was shot while I was a police officer, I've been to different countries and traveled a bit. We've got time brother. My finances aren't the best, but I now have a steady job while I get to work on them. As long as you set specific goals each month and focus on improving yourself, you will see steady changes that play in your favor.

I had just barely joined the Navy, graduated college, and barely had a "real job" until I joined. I was divorced and had no prospects on the horizon to marry. Fast forward a few years, and I got married. Fast forward another year, and I had a house and kid on the way. Fast forward a few more, and I had put the military behind me (9 years), and now (7 years later), I am still married (13 yrs) with a decent career and are settled into the second home we have owned. Life is kind of crazy and takes you places. You just have to be willing to let it.

Currently 28, got canceled online, fell from grace, my job is techinically part time so no full time benefits, live in nyc so shits expensive lol

At 28 I quit my job as a schoolteacher moved to LA and started law school. I was a broke student.

I’m 46. At 28 I was married and getting over a drug addiction. I was about to get a normal 40 hr/wk job for the first time in a while, my wife was about to go back to school. I was 2 years away from foreclosing on my house, 10 years away from going back to school and changing careers, and 12 years away from having a kid. 28 is young. The only thing I’ve ever felt ahead of the curve on is finding my wife early. My friends always seemed steps ahead of me, and it can be work to not care about that.

Shit job, just broke up with my ex, party hard, had a good time, and also wished I had good work prospects

Still got 4.5 years till I get there

Oh, I’d been fired from a boring job I didn’t care for at a really good company that was otherwise enjoyable to work for, single after an emotionally abusive relationship, working part-time in a job I enjoyed but wasn’t super financially beneficial and living with my parents. I was at the point where I was fine with not being a particularly productive member of society, just chilling and vibing as the kids might say. Nearly ten years later I am married, a homeowner, and child number 2 should be here any day now. I still work a crap job BUT I have full medical, dental and vision so that’s a plus. I’ll work on better employment as I’m using my family leave. Things change, my dear, and even for me they didn’t change overnight. The important thing is to not compare yourself and your journey to others. You aren’t other people. Maybe you’ll still be in the same position you are now in ten years. Maybe you’ll be living a completely different life you’d never even considered as an option. Set yourself small goals, don’t let yourself get anxious about timelines for the sake of comparison and if you are doing well enough for yourself take the time to enjoy being alive.

At 28 I was laying in a hospital bed "recovering" from spinal surgery after an accident. 21 years later, still recovering. Wherever you are, be thankful you're still here. Also, I just lost my sister a few days ago. So----if you don't feel like being all that thankful, I'll understand.

Married, just became a father, purchased my first home and working a high level stressed job. Probably 60 lbs overweight.

With an abusive boyfriend, injured from the job I was working at the time and getting money from my parents to keep food and a roof over my head that my boyfriend manipulated me into spending the rest on him.

At 28 I was working a job I really loved ... but in a place I didn't love. I was in Toronto, which was really hard for me health insurance-wise. I felt very isolated in Canada. My whole life was basically my job, which is never healthy no matter what your job is. I wound up asking for and receiving a transfer to Baltimore the next year, which was great for me personally but the beginning of the end for me professionally with the company I was working at.

I had JUST started at the university. I was living in my buddy's living room. I had a gf and where in one of my most toxic relationships that would scar me for years. I had went from being a metalhead to dressing (poorly) in a suit at all times and I still didn't take responsibility for anything. I was deeply depressed.

Unemployed, tinnitus, single, no savings. 10 years later I'm about the same except with more joint problems.

I was addicted to pain pills, broke, fat, and living with my brother in a shitty apartment. I’m 40 now. I’m married, extremely fit, 8 years clean, I own my own home, I have a family, etc. NA saved my life.

At 28 (last year lol) I was going great with romantic relationships and ok with career and terrible with finances lol. These things don't always line up, there might be times when career is going amazingly but relationships are just not happening, etc. I had basically no savings and was living week to week but was feeling happy and fulfilled with my job and marriage and 2 small kids. Things are looking up now with my finances but it's going to be a long road to build up savings and start putting money aside for retirement.

Im 20 with a 6 figure business, ripped and in shape and know exactly where im going in life. Anyone telling u ur still young is a lier and most likely live an unexceptional life like u.

I was engaged to my now wife. Finished grad school and passed by board exams. Financial security for the first time. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and that was my last full year with her.

just had divorced and took a job in Norway. I had gotten a call for the job before but was going thru life in general. The 2nd call I accepted. Had an absolute blast. Luved the country and the people I met. Came back to the states after 10 months. Sat at home for a few months ( had to be home for 90 days so I wouldn’t get taxed on my per diem) then took another overseas job in Turkey to do overhaul maintenance on jets and helicopters. Came back 6 months later.Turkey was awesome. looking forward to going back.

28 I was in a graduate program living off of less than a thousand dollars a month in dirt cheap grad student housing. I was broke, had nothing, no girlfriend. But the context was everything - no one expected a grad student to be a big success, so there was zero pressure. You could be dirt poor and not care. I guess my point is that a lot of the pressure to keep up with everyone else in terms of romance, finance, and the lot is contextual. So if you do think of something you want to do, by all means pursue it. While you're in the pursuit phase, all those expectations of where your life ought to be at this age tend to fall away.

Just turned 29. I started a new job a few months ago that I am struggling in. This job came after losing what I thought was my dream job that I was at for 3 years. I have my own house that I bought brand new at 26 years old. However, being a first time homeowner and living by myself, it is very stressful. Smoke weed moderately, drink way too much, eat like total shit, but I stay active. Gym, walks/runs around my neighborhood, etc. Despite how great I am doing from an outsiders perspective, I AM MISERABLE! I am so grateful to have my own house at such a young age, but damn it is stressful the amount of upkeep and bills I have to pay just to get by compared to when I was in an apartment. Last year, I lost my dream job and was unemployed for the first time in my life. Had a few odd jobs to get by as well as unemployment which allowed me to keep my house so I didn’t have to move back in with my parents. Now I work a job that I enjoy, but I am having a hard time grasping the concept and knowledge I need to perform well, despite getting phenomenal help from my team/management. If I don’t get a good grasp on the knowledge needed, I’m expecting they will let me go in a few months. I constantly think about just dropping everything and starting a new life somewhere else. I also think about starting my own business, but know I will need stable income if I do start just to continue living the way I am TL;DR: From a society prospective, I’m doing amazing, but am basically dead inside.

I was a mess. Married with a 2 year old, and I didn't own a car. I was riding a bike or taking a bus to work or to the grocery store. It may have been the most difficult year of my life. I spent the first quarter of my life fucking around and getting nothing accomplished...although I do play guitar pretty well. Anyway, I woke up I guess, and got a better job, and my sister gave me her beat up Nissan. By 30, I was in night school, where I eventually earned a CS degree. That landed me a pretty good gig with the DHS. I make about 100k a year. You're still young, and the game is long.

I am 28 now. I worked my ass off for ten years getting through school and working. Spent most of that time in really unhealthy relationships. Now I’m almost two years out from a divorce. Two years ago, I was suicidal and in grad school with an abusive husband. I was broke and struggling to my half of our overpriced rent with student loans and barely any income, while he was being supported by his dad. Now, I’m a few years into my career as a therapist. I’ve found my niche at work and I’m starting to really find passion and hope for my future career. My finances are still catching up, but I’m doing okay. I live in a big house with roommates in a medium sized city that I love. My rent is reasonable and I get paid too little, but enough to make due and enjoy life. My work/life balance is great. I’m building strong friendships for the first time in my adult life and finding my interests. I love my partner deeply; we have a mostly healthy and strong relationship. I’m both behind in life and ahead in other way. I’m still working on healing, but I’m feeling more hopeful about myself and my relationship. I got really burnt out and took six months off to travel around SE Asia with my wonderful partner. Growing up poor, I always wanted to travel. It was my first time leaving the country. It’s been an enlightening experience. I’m looking forward to going home this month and jumping back into life. This trip and time off has forced me to rebuild my life from the ground up. I’m enjoying the direction. Overall, things are messy but I’m figuring it all out. 28 has been a much better year than all the previous ones.

In a job I hated having just been made redundant, about to get married but having qualms about it . Living in a small flat with huge negative equity. Forgetting about it by going out raving- it was 1990! Marriage failed, lost the job but started my own business a couple of years later. Rented out the flat and eventually sold for a small profit 8 years later.

I’m a 28f. I have a medical license and work full time. I’m married and live in an apartment. We will be starting a family soon and hope to move into a house in a year or two. We are both healthy and have no debt. I understand feeling behind in life. I still feel behind when I compare myself to friends a family. Maybe try setting 6mo, 1yr, 5yr, and 10yr goals for yourself? You got this!!

Low-level electronics tech, drunk for a boss, married one child living with my mom. Little to no cash. Make a plan, and give yourself reasonable goals. Can you progress up in your company? Are there other work opportunities nearby? Consider schooling nights. In my case, I never had a manager last over 5 years, progressed up the company ladder, invested in 401ks, stock market, purchased a house another child.

I brew beer for a craft company, own house but demolished my savings to buy it. Engaged to my partner for 6 years and have two wonderful cats. I don't plan on having kids. I went to college for music

When I was 28, I had a white-collar career in a major corporation and a drinking problem that was spinning out of control.  My father died that year and I quit drinking.  I divorced my terrible first wife and left my corporate lifestyle, moved to a smaller city and began a career in different fabrication shops, getting heavily tattooed and playing in bands again.  I am 52 now, with a beautiful wife and two amazing children and a giant farm.  28 was a pivotal year for me.  I could have spent the last half of my life commuting to a cubical, but instead, I took the risks and it paid off.  It was never easy, but I had to do it.

I am pretty sure I was still strung out and bouncing from apartment to apartment at that age. What are you worried about?

At 28 I was still active duty making about $70k (more if you factor in benefits) and 2 years into home ownership. I thought the worst parts of my life were behind me, but I hadn’t met my now ex wife yet…

Was in a job I hated, no savings and 10k of debt. No money to buy a house. Renting off my sister as I couldn't afford market rent anywhere good for work. Now, (4 years later) I have investments, 10k of emergency savings, new job where I'm happy, respected and earning well with solid prospects. Bought a house and got married. It really can all change in a short space of time! Nothing major changed between the two ages other than things falling into place - maintained a positive mindset and was confident that it'd all work out so keep your head up and aim for small improvements each week/month. You'll be fine and won't even think about 'the before times'.

Dead end, low-paying job. Single. But within a few months of turning 28 I found a boyfriend. Then I got a better job. By 30 I was married to the aforementioned boyfriend. Then I went back to school, had a kid, got a better job. Flying high now.

26 bout to be 27 here. Disabled, was living at my abusive parents house up until 4 years ago. Met the love of my life. She has a good career. I spent the last four years struggling to find a job that I could do without constantly feeling burnt out physically and emotionally. This year she finally convinced me that I could stop. Now I am so blessed to be able to not work and just take care of her, the house, and our pets. Our love is my only priority. Small apartment in a house, but omg is it beautiful here. It's ours, it's safe, and we have everything we need. We're not rich, barely have any savings, but we have everything. Idk if there is a specific time line for success, or a specific look to it either. Some people might think my life has no purpose without a job. Some people might accuse me of being a lazy freeloader. Focus on learning how to correctly love yourself and others and the rest will follow.

The first paragraph was basically my feelings toward my job and money at 28, plus I was a single mom to a 3 year old and getting sober at the time. It was 2020. Now I’m almost 32, finally left my dead end job at 30, and now making over 6 figures (which I still feel so poor lol). I’m still single which is by choice at this point, I enjoy my my independence. Loving life honestly. Spending time with my friends. Believing in myself. Remembering that there’s no set “place to be” at any given age. A lot of my confidence and self empowerment came after 30 honestly

The year I turned 28 my then girlfriend(now wife)and I bought our house. She was working in office administration and I was working in a machine shop. The year was 2000. Life seemed more simple. We didn't have much money, in fact we were pretty house poor. I remember having about $100 left after each two week pay day between the two of us. We made it work though. Still in the same house. Still working similar jobs.

I was married and having my first kid. Went back to school at 33. I was ok health wise, but there was always room for improvement. Life is all about making changes and getting better, no matter what age or stage.

The idea that we get our shit together by age 25 is so antiquated and just plain old silly at this point in time. 35 is when you'll start to see things come together. 40 is when they settle into place. (If you're lucky). Don't be hard on yourself, friend. It's a fucked up world out there and the chips are stacked against young people. Be patient with yourself. Your life has barely begun. :)

Working 70+ hours a week. Homeless. Carless. And still broke as hell. The life of a company truck driver...

This won’t be helpful but I was 3 years into my permanent career, a homeowner for the second time, married, just gave birth to my first child and had a savings account of 75,000. But I will say that my parents helped a lot by paying for my college (although I did get a full tuition scholarship based on merit). It’s 4 years later for me and I have another kid and a little bit bigger savings account. But life out there is rough, my parents helped set me up with no debt as a young adult so that really helped, but at 21 I was graduating college and my first job paid me a salary of 26,000 a year. So there’s that.

I was in the same position. Worked at a “tech” startup where the CEO wouldn’t let anyone see the product, always said we were weeks away from getting real funding and abruptly stopped paying all salaries. My recommendation: think of something you love doing, go get trained on it (Udemy, Coursera, or other online school), NETWORK like crazy, and try to get referrals for jobs you’re interested in and that aren’t TOO MUCH of a stretch at places you want to work at. You’ll be fine, things can get a lot better, a lot quicker than you’d expect. I got a job that, admittedly, wasn’t my dream job but got me a step in the right direction. At 33, I’m now incredibly happy with my current job and it all started with taking a class.

I was just about exactly where you are. I had a 3 year old daughter who was my world and I spent all my money on sending her to a private school so she’d get a good head start, so I was broker than ever and missing rent. 5 years later, I’m happily married, we had another beautiful daughter, bought a house, I found a career I enjoy with people I enjoy (it was difficult but don’t stop moving around until you find this) You’re on the right track. Keep your head on straight. DO NOT START DRINKING, avoid any vices that you may have. This is the most important advice I could ever give you. Now is the time for focusing, don’t let yourself get carried away with excess. The right woman will eventually come along and give you peace at home and maybe even a couple beautiful children, but don’t rush it. Family is everything and they’re your guiding light and why you do what you do after a while. No ones opinion matters other than my wife and kids. Not a financial advisor, but my advice to my 28 year old self would be to first, find a better paying job. Time is scarce, stop wasting your time at a dead end job. Fuck that job. Work on your resume TODAY. When you have a bit more disposable income, start to dollar cost average into a low cost index fund like VTI, VOO, VTSAX. 10-15% of each check should draft into a retirement account. Acorns App is perfect for this and super easy to set up. Start by pursuing another career. It will give you the purpose and ambition to start making other strides in life. Good luck

28: married, one child (a year old), live in our own home, established in my career, owned one vehicle and almost paid off a second, a doggie, a good emergency fund, afford bills, and building a separate savings. Lots of hip pain. 29: mostly the same but with a 2 year old and another on the way. A bit more concerned about money with a second baby.

At 28 I was in a terrible domestic violent relationship where after we broke up he moved in next door to me and continued to harass and stalk and torture me for months. At 38- I have since moved across the country, healed my trauma, built my own successful business, got an amazing rescue dog, still single but joyous since I don’t need a man to be happy and free. Keep at it homie! Things get better if you put in effort over time.

Recruiting for the army, off of my 3rd tour. Divorced living with my parents going through custody battles.

In graduate school and recently married to a lawyer who ended up being very abusive. Thankfully the graduate school paid off and I have a good paying job and a divorce. I think in some ways people are ahead or behind in different tracks (or they seem ahead but are really behind). Probably it makes sense to work on one area at a time and just keep growing 😊

Army at 18 married, homeowner, career at 28. Tried college at 18 didn’t like all the needless crap that you had to do. Got paid and learned a trade in the Army. Retired at 55. Neither my wife and I drink. I would encourage you to get a trade or skill. This world will leave those behind that think you can make a living at non skilled labor.

I was living in a horse ranch in Tennessee, where I made almost nothing, but they took care of my basic needs. I had lost 100 lbs over the previous year from the hard work. I had no car, no savings, no insurance, no girlfriend, no pets, no phone, and no computer games (and I'm a gamer). I remember laying in a field gasping for air because I was asthmatic, and my last inhaler ran out. And as I laid there starting at the clouds, wheezing and unsure if I'd make it, I thought, "I need insurance." Lol weird memory, but it really got me motivated to do something. It sucked..... Now about 10 years later I have a home I rent, a good job, insurance, a car, a wife, a little baby, a nice phone, and all the computer games I could want. A LOT can happen in 10 years.

At 28 I was fresh out of a 9 year relationship with my kids father. Single mom with 3 kids. Moved an hour and a half away. Left my job, etc. Starting my life back over. Found a house for rent and moved in two months later. Started with literally nothing, I had one 32" TV to my name. I'm 31 now. Tvs in every room lol. In a great relationship; my kids are doing great in school. I am currently in school as well, obtaining my bachelor's degree. Life gets better I promise. Keep going!

Dating my now ex-husband, starting a graduate program I quit a year later because I hated it, living in a super shitty apartment, and working a dead end job. Over 20 years later I have a career I’m well suited for, a masters degree I enjoyed getting, living somewhere lovely, and married to the love of my life. Give yourself some grace. My life turned around in my 40s.

Already with my wife. Peak physical capabilities. In a job that acted as though it wasn't dead end, but was really just dragging me around. Left that job that year and have gone through a fucking adventure since then. Turn 37 this year and boy the last decade has been interesting. I'm in a really good spot now though so I'm happy :D

I’m 32 now, so when I was 28 I had celebrated 8 years married, bought my first house, just gotten wished a happy golden birthday by Third Eye Blind (my fav band!) and started my career that I still work at today. It’s a little different cuz that was the year before Covid. Inflation and the general instability of the country has kind of screwed you at this point. So the best you can do is just keep striving for more and never settle but more importantly, don’t compare yourself too harshly to others. Everyone’s situation is different so try not to worry too much

I was dating my wife with a really tough and stressful job. It was a good job that provided a lot of opportunity for me, so I am thankful as much as I didn't like it. But I was just coming out of 8 years of Active Duty, and I chose my wife over stating in. A decision I would make again in a heartbeat. Spent 3 years chasing around cartel cocain and then the rest of the time land locked in a really great unit with people I hated. Worked for the toughest man I ever met. So, to anyone struggling. The best thing you can do is start today and build your career. It has taken me 16 years to land my dream job. It took a lot of blood and sweat to get there. When I was 28, it was hard. But I was laying the foundation for my career and family that I didn't have yet.

At 28…married, parent, recovering drug addict (w/spouse who never did recover), employed. At 62…still employed (same job, but now at the top of my “ladder”), looking forward to retirement, widow, daughter is grown/married, 6 cats. You just never know. My advice? One day at a time.

Had been married for 8 years, 3 kids, SAHM, owned a house. It wasn’t all sunshine though. Money was relatively tight. I lost my dad at 28. My marriage almost fell apart. Don’t compare yourself to others. We are all on our own paths.

Please call and complain. At least ask the driver to come back and fix it. They can. That's their fault for putting it there. To me, that's unacceptable service had worried. If they don't respond, call it in immediately and ask for another order.

Married for 5 years, have a 4 year old. Recently finished my Masters degree and working fulltime in health care. Own our own condo and also own a rental condo.  Now 35, married for 12 years. Still working same job in healthcare but have 2 kids. Condos have been sold, no longer landlords. Just closed on new home last week!

Trying to make it back to America after getting youthly lost abroad for several years and preping to start grad school. Started dating my now wife. Broker than broke after making between $5-$10k a year for several years. I was young. I had to push myself and get serious about some things that weren't easy, like understanding what a career was. More school opened up career options that I had no idea of when I was 28. 12 years later, I have a growing career, money isn't an issue, have a house in HCOL city where wife and I are getting serious about kids. I still feel lost and behind like you describe with these traditional life milestones and that's a chip on my shoulder for sure. But it gets better and at times feel like a blessing in disguise because it keeps me hungry. You are young. Its ok. You will be okay. I wish you luck.

I’m 30 now. At 28 I had a decent gig as a heavy duty mechanic (still have it) making around 110k a year. Had just bought a nice house, and was engaged. I’m pretty lucky I guess. But I’ve definitely worked hard to get where I’m at

1. Married 3 years 2. Just quit smoking 3. Had a condo my parents help us out with (down-payment) 4. Had a simple spreadsheet showing our accounts and a grand total for each month. (starting = $1300 total) 5. Bad job and were deciding whether or not to sell a car to pay bills 6. Found a new nightmare job that actually turned out to be the most enjoyable job of my life. 7. Kept trying to increase the total on the spreadsheet. 40 years later, we still have that spreadsheet. The plan worked out so wonderfully I couldn't be happier with one exception: The misery and worry I took on during the years was a total waste of emotions. Everyone kept saying "don't worry, everything will work out." If I had listened to them, I might not have accomplished anything. Worry was a powerful motivator for me but a miserable way to live life. I might suggest using desire as your motivator.

At 28, I had a wife, 2 kids, a house, and was 1 year away from getting a divorce, which became a major live setback that, at 34, I've still not recovered from fully.

I aim to be realistic rather than negative. At 28, with a Master's degree and two jobs, I struggled to maintain the lifestyle I desired. However, I've come to realize that chasing an extravagant lifestyle is futile; expensive possessions hold little value, and life lacks purpose without meaningful pursuits. Simply being able to afford necessities and having shelter and food should be celebrated as an achievement. Investing time in passions brings fulfillment. Attempting to fit into an elite lifestyle without the means will only lead to perpetual struggle; it's a reality that only those born into wealth can effortlessly sustain it. This isn't a flaw but an acknowledgment of reality. Celebrate your accomplishments, enjoy life, and pursue your passions, as one day, you'll reach 50 and realize that the idealized lifestyle was never attainable, but true satisfaction lies in the simple joys of life.

29 now. Last year we bought a house, were engaged. Household income of $160-170k yearly. $400k currently saved for retirement. We both came from single parent low income households. She graduated college to become a nurse and I went the slower route of just working my butt off many years. She’s 24 and makes the same as me. Going to quit in a year to go back to school for nursing. Right now we have 3 days off together in a row, and then I work 4 days in a row, while she works 3. Coming from a really hard background makes me feel so grateful for this very frugal life we’re living. We don’t feel desire for many materialistic things which I believe allowed us to save so heavily 

Married with 2 kids to my high school sweetheart(still married to her 😍). I was working at a traffic control job where the pay sucked but my wife helped by grabbing a part time job as a cashier. We managed to keep afloat but couldn’t really save anything. I was able to get my old job back as a water hauler for the oilfield. (I have my CDL, but the oilfield got slow, so I was let go originally). I just didn’t want to go over the road so I grabbed the first available job that I could. Best advice I can give. Don’t settle for a dead end job. My current job and I’m 35 now, I average over 100k a year, driving locally, home everyday, and life comfortably.

28 was a rebuilding year I left my then Gf for cheating, she stole my dog and blocked me I was doing home improvement got $17/hr and hated waking up every day

at 28 i was at my job for 10 years, renting a home, had 2 kids.

4 years into living on a remote tropical island and in a new relationship which is the same one I'm in now. It wasn't all great though, I wasn't 100% on what I wanted to do, and didn't earn a lot of money. Doubts on the relationship too 😊

4 years into living on a remote tropical island and in a new relationship which is the same one I'm in now. It wasn't all great though, I wasn't 100% on what I wanted to do, and didn't earn a lot of money. Doubts on the relationship too 😊

Currently 28 years old. I have a wife, daughter and a boy ready to come out any day now. I have a decent job (although am considered poor in NYC). I'm finishing my master's degree and am on a list for a promotion. Life is okay but struggle with alcohol (I basically get addicted to anything). I am about to start therapy on Monday. I still feel unachieved in life and feel as if something is missing. I know it's not wise to compare yourself to other because you really do not know what's going on benethe the surface.