If you're willing to share these fears and thoughts in an open setting then perhaps you are willing to acknowledge that with experience comes valuable perspective. I'm 36 years old. That's right, I'm old, literally twice your age. -Damn, that's messed up. You say in your comment that you are a leach on your parents. Dude, you are 18. You are supposed to be a leach on your parents. You are supposed to not know what you want to do or have any skills. Anybody that says otherwise is full of shit. Also, I have another bit of information that the guidance counselors won't tell you.. the kids that have it together at 18, fall apart at 30. It's true. If I were to look at the happiest, most successful people from my graduating high school class, it isn't the people you would have thought it would be. Sometimes it is, but even those people change majors, careers etc. Point is, judging where your life is going based on where you are at 18 is like watching the beginning scenes of the Godfather and saying, "that Michael is going to have a nice quiet life with his girlfriend Kay." -We all know Michaels life takes some different turns. I barely graduated from high school, dropped out of college and had no idea where I was headed. At 26 I was basically a waiter and was recently dumped by a long time girlfriend. Eventually I went back to school, married a gorgeous and brilliant woman, started a band and released two full-length albums and now I have a career that provides handsomely for my family. I really didn't do any of that till after I was 27. It took me a while. It should take a while. Try and enjoy being a broke 18 year old, it's what you should be. It's being a broke 40 year old that will suck. mk's advice below is good. Get that GED and see where life takes you. But don't for a minute think you should have anything figured out. You shouldn't. One last tid-bit. Best conversation I've ever had with my dad: Me: Dad, at what age did you finally feel like an adult Dad: When I find out, I'll tell you. P.S. To obviate your worries, just realize that everyone at 18 is just as confused as you are. Take comfort in that.