I don’t know what I’m doing with my life after graduating in software
Hi, I’m 21M and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Software Development almost a year ago, with no internship experience. I focused too much on finishing fast and didn’t pay attention to internships, and now I regret it. To add context, I did a competency-based online degree at my own pace and finished it in under a year. I also relied heavily on AI during it, so I don’t feel like I truly grasped the fundamentals and core knowledge.
Most jobs now require either LeetCode skills or strong communication skills. I honestly struggle with LeetCode and algorithms. I’m not really a math person, and I feel like I may have made a big mistake choosing this career. English is not my first language either, so communication and interviews are also difficult for me.
I also tried starting a Shopify dropshipping business. I spent over $1,500 out of $3,000 with no real success, and now I’m scared of making more expensive mistakes.
I considered the CompTIA A+ certification, but the idea of IT help desk work discourages me, sounds so draining.
I’ve also thought about other career paths, but I have almost zero motivation to work for someone else. The idea of building someone else’s dream feels empty. I’d rather become a business owner someday, maybe a local shop or an online store, but I don’t know how to start or network in that direction.
Maybe I’m too focused on money instead of passion, but right now I don’t feel like I have a real passion at all.
I want to buy a home for stability and freedom, and to be able to travel while having somewhere to come back to in the US. I also want to eventually afford a relationship, but dating is REALLY expensive.
Lately I feel unmotivated. I like drawing, anime, and Japanese culture, but I don’t see a clear way to turn that into a high stable income. Lost of tools are now generating pictures, drawings and even animation...
My living situation doesn’t help. I don’t have my own bedroom and share the living room with my dad and brother in a small apartment, so I don’t really have space or a desk to focus.
I still work at Walmart and have been there for over two years. I feel exhausted and sometimes ashamed because I feel like I haven’t made real progress since graduating.
Thanks for reading. I just wanted to vent and put my thoughts into words.