I'm sorry you're feeling this way but there's no reason for you to have everything "done" or "figured out" by the time you're 32. My friend just started graduate school and she's 31 and has no boyfriend, is still paying rent, etc. But she's still happy because she is confident in herself and will not settle for anything less than what she wants to do.

Life is a journey, not a destination. You have to take things on your own timeline, not society's expectations or you'll never be satisfied, even if you have your own house, husband, career, etc. Those things do not guarantee a happy life (high mortgage anyone???).

Here's one quick thing you can do to feel better. Instead of focusing on what you DON'T have, focus on what you DO have. What about your friends? What do you do with them that makes you happy? Aren't you thankful for having supportive people in your life? Try and find those things that you have that you are thankful for that are intangible and that should be a boost for you.

Now on to practical things you can do now: If you want a new career, why not try seeing a career counselor or reading a book like "What Color is your Parachute?"

If you want to meet a man, why not try going out to a new bar or taking a dance class or something? Internet sites like match.com and the like will present you with a lot of opportunities to go out on dates so you can brush up on your skills (if you aren't already skilled enough!).

As for buying a house or property, that's a tough one because i don't really know about it. but if you have a friend in the loan/housing business, why not try to talk to him/her about it and see how to get there?

Sorry this one is so long. Good luck!

Everyone finds themselves at different times in their lives. We tend to be really hard on ourselves, care what people think about us and in turn that causes unnecessary stress. I like to practice patience and tolerance with myself and trust that I am being taken care of. In times like these, i like to make a graditude list of at least 10 things i am grateful for and then things don't seem that horrible anymore.

~Love, Peace & Light~

Great advice Nicachica --- I am 25 and find myself questioning a lot of my choices. the 20s seam so far to me like a confusing time trying to figure things out. You aren't alone i think most people feel this way sometimes. Follow your heart do what makes you happy (I know super cheesy)- but you shouldn't have to be someone else to be happy- what do you have going on in your life? any cool hobbies or friends? Focus on what you do have at 28 and strive towards what you don't. Good luck and take a deep breath- I get panicked about my career from time to time and know how quickly it can spiral and be consuming. The best thing to do is take step back. Going to school is a great idea if it's for what you really want focus on getting there (and hey maybe there will be a super hot class mate )

TINA!

I feel the same way and I'm surprised to know how many other girls feel this way too I thought I was the only one! I'm 28 too and have no career I have a boring desk job and I want to go back to school but its hard because I'm in debt. But little by little things happen. My husband and I have been married for almost 9 years and now its when we were able to buy a one bedroom condo when most of our friends already own houses etc. And we've struggled a lot financially. Most people think at a certain age they'll have everything but it doesn't work that way things happen when the timing is right. You're doing the right thing to go back to school and when you think about it 32 is still young a lot of people are 40 and still don't have a career. Don't worry about everyone else make sure you do what's right for you.

Plus think about it this way- would you rather be 32 in the same situation that you are in now or 32 with a brand new direction and more career opertunities.

TINA!

you ARE too young to be having a mid-life crisis!! But, in my opinion, your symptoms and emotions are characteristic of what I like to call a "quarter-life crisis". hehe
more and more of my mid-to-late twentysomething friends (myself included)are going thru some type of life-questioning and intense personal discovery phase... questioning things such as: are kids for me, why am i not as successful as i thought i'd be, is this career the right one for me, what's my mission in life, etc.
don't fret, you're certainly not the only one going thru this... and besides, quarter-life crisis has a nicer ring to it that mid life crisis does, dontcha think??!

I agree with all of the above. I think it's pretty common to set some goals for yourself in your teens that don't really pan out in real life. I used to think I would be a young mom, but I ended up with a younger boyfriend who wont be ready for marriage and kids for a couple more years. I also thought some of my kids would be biological, but I have a back injury so I'll be adopting all of them. So it'll be different than what I planned but still wonderful when it happens.
These girls are right, just because things aren't happening according to how you thought they would, does not mean they are not in your future! Don't let your parents get you down, they have your best interests at heart but badgering you and putting you down is not going to help any. It sounds like you want to upgrade your education, so night-school or online courses might be an option so that you can still work at least part-time and keep your student loan amounts reasonable. 28 is still young! You have lots of time to meet the man of your dreams and pursue a fulfilling career.

I dont think school is something your ever to "old" to do if there is something you want for yourself. Follow your heart and make yourself proud to be you then you wont be wishing to be someone else

We all go through this - in fact its called "quarter life crisis"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter-life_crisis

I totally understand. I am only, as of today, 25 and still take money from my parents for rent and stuff. I mean I grew up an only child and was a princess who was spoiled rotten and was never taught the lessons of money. So now that I have a great job, and a pretty good income, I still need to borrow money, well take money, and I hate that. I want to be independent, but I don't have that kind of income yet and I live in New York City. So what to do but stress about it all the time. My life is totally stressful and living in NYC doesn't help much. lol.

I had my first mid-life crisis at 19 when I found myself in school for something I didn't want to do at all. I think that we continue to grow, learn, and change throughout our lives and that pursuing new interests and hopes and dreams is a positive thing.

My thoughts on two things you said. Try not to compare yourself to other people and what they have. So what if you're still renting at 28? My parents didn't own a house until they were in their 40s.

And as the old saying goes: You say you'll be 32 by the time you finish school if you go back now. And how old will you be in 4 years if you don't go back?

Totally normal...except I agree w/ the above "Quarter-Life Crisis" statement. I'm on the verge of turning 25 and I'm totally going through it, and I a) pay rent, b) have a boyfriend, and c) have a job that should lead to furthering my career! I'm more at the, "why do i feel like i haven't accomplished more in my life" QL Crisis though...

But as others suggested, do you want to be 32 and still feel this way or 32 with new opportunities because you decided to figure out what it was you wanted to do by going back to school? Also, as mentioned, everyone figures out their life differently.

First, take a deep breath. Then, I would suggest taking a moment to write down everything you would like to accomplish in your life; or, for a better idea, if you were to die (i know, morbid), what would you want your sibling (if you have one) to say they knew about you? your best friend? your coworker? Reflect on that and start choosing your direction from there!

If you aren't happy with the situation then change the situation. To me you don't sound like you are happy with it at all. Go back to college if that's what you want. I don't think it's a bad thing to return to education and finishing at 32 isn't old!!!! Life for you is just beginning really. I guess you are feeling the pressure now because you suddendly feel like you haven't done much. Like I said if you aren't happy with it then change it. Don't sit around and wait for something to happen.