andeh
You studied architecture & presumably passed. Live in or near Sheffield?
On the plus side you have a brain, know how to use it and live near some **** awesome bike trails.
On the downside, you work in a tough retail environment and feel directionless.
I remember being in a similar situation when I was 23 only I didn’t have the biking outlet. It’s easy to say MTFU etc but the facts are that you are probably hacked off because you’re intelligent, nothing is challenging you and as a result everything is a bit boring.
As has been said elsewhere – the only one in control of your life is you. Accept TKMaxx as a means to an end and look for something you want to do.
As for your friends – those who matter will always remain in contact, but sitting in a pub pissed off is not going to help.
I eventually ended up selling used cars for a year, then blagged a job with an industrial consumables company which worked out nicely. However, if I hadn’t been scouring the job sites daily, I would never have found that job.
However, even though I’m only 34, I’m married, 2 kids with a stay at home Mum to feed as well, mortgaged enough to bankrupt a small country and I now have absolutely no choice but work my ballcocks off to pay for it all. There’s no end in sight for about 20 years. Good job I enjoy my job (it’s bloody hard and as a result, rewarding when it goes well but awful when it goes wrong).
That won’t make you feel better but it prefaces the only bit of advice I ever give out:
Travel.
Just go. Pack a bag and a bike and go. Somewhere. Anywhere.
You have nothing to lose, no dependents, no house to pay for. So go now while you can.
I went to Australia on holiday three years ago and fell madly insanely in love with the place, but I have too many responsibilties to other people (kids mainly) and have to provide a stable environment, so I will never be able to explore it fully. New Zealand is a dream I can’t fullfil for at least 15 years. I never travelled when I had the opportunities and will regret it for the rest of my life.
Admittedly watching my kids play and be happy makes up for it, but you may find your calling in life if you explore the world whilst you can. You can grow up later….