Does anyone here actually want to work?

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Thanks for your support and advice. If anything is my passion (other than collecting rocks and desert plants) it's environmental science, so perhaps things will get better.

Don't let a few teachers belittle you. Because sooner or later, they will destabilize you and may discourage you. It doesn't mean anything about your capacity to talk about something you know very well.
I had one physics teacher like that when I was a student. The most snobbish person you can ever imagine, who just because he got his degree (he was only about 25) got sadistic pleasure in humiliating his students who were almost the same age. One day, he decided to talk to me after class and proceeded to destroy me with one of his coworkers just because I was talking about a new theory that was more advanced than the program. At the time, I didn't know how to argue back. I didn't try. I felt crushed and decided to give up. A few years later, I actually talked about this theory to a physicist and there are now teams currently working on this same theory. So it happens I wasn't wrong but I was convinced to be for years, just because of two teachers who like to feel superior to his students.
Don't doubt that as long as you don't have your PhD, there are people who will attempt to crush you, and even after. Not many, but they do exist. The more talented you are, the more people will feel threatened by it. It doesn't mean anything or that your work is worthless. Don't think that because they said humiliating arguments against your thesis, and they're a bit more experienced, they're right and you're wrong. There is a lot of competition, especially against the best students. It's part of the package, sadly. But with time, you'll know their arguments better and better so you can eventually dismiss them. If ever at the start you feel too much competition and you don't speak quite as well as they do, just give yourself time, don't let a tiny handful of people belittle what you do. It's just words. Things will get much better with time.

That sounds awful, sorry you had to deal with that. Teachers may have the knowledge, but that is only one small part of their job. I think it's important for students to feel on equal terms with teachers, for them to bully and pick on one of their own charges is terrible.
Had a bad encounter with a lecturer last year - because my degree is by distance, day/field schools and the exams themselves make up our only person-to-person interaction. Turned up at this revision dayschool sometime last April, specifically invited by email from the uni, only to be told off by a she-bear who seemed offended by my presence at her tutor group (my module was pooling resources and inviting other tutor groups to neighbouring schools) and the fact I hadn't printed off some sheet for the twenty or so students she expected to arrive. There were seven of us for the whole four hours (and I overheard someone say there were more students than usual!) Also as she wasn't my own tutor, I couldn't have printed off her damned sheet anyway because only a tutor's own students can access their group forum!
Anyway, sorry for rambling, your words really have brightened my evening - agreed there is such competition out there in further education. Both my older siblings have doctorates and have reported similar problems with peers, my older sister particularly as she has been trying to get a foothold in a very tightly-knit field that doesn't like fresh blood!

You really are 'happy' about not working?? Let me tell you, when you are unemployed everyone can see it especially at places like the Gym, bars & movies. Its the 'scarlet letter' in America you know when unemployment is 4.x% and job openings are at a record high as the major media outlets are reporting, people always assume 'something is wrong with you'. Its that 'look & vibe' that I always feel.
Its good you are still a millenial -- many people your age are getting a multitude of job offers near the six figures.
I am in my early 40s and was let go from a temp job after 13 months. even though I have money & unemployment to last a few months I couldn't be more miserable.. I have that 'mark' but of course I always felt that people for some reason 'didn't like me'

Yes. I do like to work hard to support myself and contribute to society. I do have some struggles but everyone has their problems and as long as you're dedicated and resilient you can do anything you set your mind to. (As cheesy as that sounds it is true).

i want to work, but theres no jobs so i cant

After failing to complete a seemingly straightforward apprenticeship, I highly doubt anyone would even consider me for employment anymore. Even working in a supermarket would be too much for me as invariably I would be expected to interact with colleagues and customers. I really do suck.

Last time I was unemployed, I went into a tailspin and eventually developed a stomach ulcer. Work helps me structure my days, and routine helps me function. Plus, without work, the concept of "weekend" is meaningless.

That's well said. There just isn't enough structure to this existence. I can see how easily people would think the unemployed are all having a grand time but damned if most of us aren't trapped in a depressing limbo: it's week-endless.

im on a zero hours casual basis, such is life i guess, least amount of hours i can expect is 2 hours a week up to 10 or none at all for weeks at a time, and im ineligible to claim benefits since its classed as self-employment now. still its the best chance i've had at getting an income (unstable though it may be)

Hm... I don't think I would enjoy most jobs, but maybe there is something specific out there for me. I prefer studying and researching topics on my own. If I had a job I would want it to be straightforward with clear steps and minimal human contact. I am thinking a work-from-home job selling crafts or small items would be easiest for me, as I am much more confident typing versus speaking.

I kind of do. I wanted to work more before I moved out cuz my parents were on my back & I felt trapped living with them. I have worked some but I'm disabled. I haven't looked sense I moved across the country to be with my girlfriend over 4 years ago. I had alot of adjusting to do & my girlfriend likes having me around. I would start looking for something part-time so I'd keep my Social Security Disability, Medicare & Medicaid but she'd rather not be home by herself for hours cuz of depression & anxiety issues. I'm classified as her live-in-aid for her Section 8 & she thinks there's a way I could get paid to be her live-in-aid/caretaker/helper so she's going to look into that at some point. Just been busy dealing with other stuff. It won't be the same as having an actual job but if I can get paid to do stuff I've been doing anyways, I'll gladly take it.

Since I admitted it the other day on Reddit, not really. Sometimes the idea comes up, but right now, holding a job is definitely out of the cards for me. I'm really not sure what I'd want to do for a living, or what I'd be capable of.

Yes I would like to. I am currently on disability but I don't want that to be a forever thing so am working with vocational rehabilitation to try and make that happen.

Lately I've been thinking of possibly pursuing a job, just as something to generate a bit of extra money, kill time, and give me a reason to get up in the morning. I think there's a lot of adjusting I'd have to do before I got a job though.

I am too disabled for a regular job working for a boss,if that's what you mean.

I have Aspergers and several chronic illnesses that impair my ability to be anywhere every day at the same time exept my home. But that doesn't stop me from working.

In fact, I do work. Volantirily, that's true but it's work nonetheless. I work as a Twitter account manager for a charity, and aside from that I work as a freelance writer. I get hired regularly for a piece, and it's very nice to do. I work every day in something I love doing, yet I don't leave my house for it and I don't have a boss.

Can't beat that in my eyes