I'm talented, but lack drive and direction

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Hi everyone, I'm now 22 years old, and I have artistic and writing talent, but now I'm depressed because I have no idea what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. My original plan was to become a graphic designer, but that fell through because I never got around to doing a portfolio. As far as my education goes, I only got as far as an associate's degree, and I'm scared of not being able to make enough money for myself because I'm too under-qualified to get any good jobs. I'm so sad, all I want to do is to go back in time and redo my life all over again.

So, work out a plan how you will get back to being a graphic designer.

How come you didn't create your portfolio? What happened?

I think your situation is fairly common among autistics. I'm 31 and I've never had a job. I also only got to associate's degree. I spent about 10 years trying to get a physics degree before I realized science as a career won't work for me even though it's my area of interest. Try to focus on those talents you mentioned.

Long story short, growing up and school got in the way. You can't just become a graphic designer.

No, but you can't "just" get into most jobs. There are always a variety of steps to climb.

The reason I am asking is because if you find these steps completely unfeasible, it's possible you have undiagnosed ADHD.

I know that you can't just get into most jobs, and yes, maybe I do have un-diagnosed ADHD. However, with the whole COVID thing, I'm stuck at home with my parents, and living in an isolated rural area outside of Seattle without much opportunity doesn't help either.

*SIGH* If only someone had invented a way of communicating internationally from the safety of your own home, eh?

Find out whether you’re a morning lark or a night owl and use that time of high energy. For example, I wake up about 8:30 but I have most energy the hour before breakfast. So, that makes me a late-rising morning lark!

In difficult times and lonely times, try to branch sideways if that makes sense. Try to remain medium open to unexpected opportunities.

And please remember, Stephen King, who is one of the most prolific writers of the last 50 years, he’s able to write for about three hours in the morning and for about an hour after lunch, and then he is shot for the day! And this is when he’s writing well.

My suggestion would be to find a mentor in the graphic design field to help you grow your talents and build a portfolio. This will take some research and effort to pursue such a relationship but the benefits would be enormous. I realize this is kinda hard to do with ASD, but with the internet you wouldn't need be physically in the same place. Find out if Seattle has any Art Director's associations or other industry organizations. That would be a good place to start. Good luck!