Feeling like I'll never have a life, and almost liking it

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I just graduated from college (the ceremony was about a month ago) and I feel like the rest of my life is dead in the water. One by one, I'm seeing some of my classmates get interviews and jobs, and gain significant others. My job search has come up almost empty, and I've exhausted almost all my contacts (most of which are just my classmates) and I feel as if I'm doing something wrong, even though I've been following all advice out there. I've even applied back to school for a graduate program in September just so I'm doing something to help my career as a 'plan B'. I feel like I have no ability to 'network' to get an entry level position, despite applying for a few I see posted online every week. I also feel like I can't start a relationship, as I've never been in one. I read employment and relationship statistics for people with AS, and get further discourage. So many people in my life try to make me feel better by saying that I did well in school (I was an honours graduate), say that I would succeed in my chosen career (I took TV broadcasting in college), and that I would find a wonderful woman and I'd be a great husband and father.

But, at the same time, I feel as in starting my career, I would be forced to move away and leave my friends and family behind. I find it almost impossible to make new friends without being introduced, and feel like if I did move away for work, I'd become super lonely (which studies have shown is more unhealthy that obesity).

So, my questions: is this normal? Is there such a thing as a quarter-life crisis? Is 22 too young to start panicking about this? Am I just exaggerating problem that are normal for both my generation and for aspies? Is it likely to turn around, or am I just over-reacting?

Part of your problem in finding a job now is that the economy is bad, so a lot of places just aren't hiring. You are also feeling the effects of no longer having something steady to do now that you are finished with school. How about trying some volunteer work for a while, while still looking for work. If you have a yard, you can also plant a garden. You need things to do to keep occupied. You can also do odd jobs on your own, like mow lawns, run errands, walk doges, etc. I have a young relative who comes every week or two to mow my lawn, as health problems keep me from doing it myself. I pay her for her time and labor. My younger brother sometimes does stuff for me too, and I pay him for his help, also. There are many people who will gladly pay, at least a little money, to have help with chores and errands. Ask around among your family and friends for leads, and you can even post ads on community bulletin boards, or even take out an ad in a local paper. This doesn't have to be a long term carrier, but will give you work experience, contacts, and a little money, so look into it.

Hey man, you have a college degree. Last I heard, there's only 7-12% of adults residing in the state I live that have one of those puppies. Being a graduate sure beats the molasses out of being a college failure, "super lonely" and overweight, ahem, yours truly has trouble functioning outside of where I sojourn. Look on the bright side, squint and swing away. Can't hit anything if you aren't swinging. Life is a crisis waiting to be coped with. Horrible metaphors aside, I wish you happiness. Relationships are overrated. Pets can be more beneficial, if you can swing it. Swing.

To be honest it seems like your thinking through a rationale of how to avoid the challenges of life. Your friends and family that are your current support group will begin to slowly fade shortly by natural attrition. Rather then spend your time thinking about how you will fail, it would be better to start working on how to succeed (whatever your vision of success is).

I think I needed a harsh look in the mirror, and this definitely is that, as you bring up some good points. I know my current support group will dry up, but the thing is my support group usually replenishes itself by me meeting other people who I am introduced to via the current people in my support group. If I have to move far away fro work (which is my main fear, I can maintain having my full support group with a 40 hour week living close by, even if I have to leave home) I feel I will never have a support group again.

Also, I'm not sure what in my life I would consider a 'success', which is also part of the problem.