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3 months ago

As-salamu alaykum - What does it mean to move forward in life?

As-salamu alaykum, sorry this is a bit long and I might have grammar mistakes. I grew up with privileges; my parents/guardians provided for me and I took it for granted. In 2015 my parents separated and I started living with my mother and relatives. They are kind and treat me like their child, but I developed anxiety and panic disorder and couldn’t finish school back then. Now at 20, Alhamdulillah I finally completed my 10th grade with 82% in the exams. I plan to start higher education next year… but will I really be able to? For most of my life I didn’t set long-term goals. When my anxiety flared, I stopped going out and thought it was the end, but it wasn’t. I kept thinking about finishing 10th grade, and now that I have done it, I can’t see beyond that. What’s the worth of it all? Technology and AI are changing things, and my family worries I might never become independent. I can’t afford to go abroad for education - the job market here is rough. Now that I’m looking forward, I feel lost. All this time I focused on just one goal; now that it’s reached, what’s next? This uncertainty feeds my anxiety (I’m taking my meds). I worry about what would happen if something happened to my working guardian - they’re getting older - and about my younger siblings. I don’t want us to end up without a home, and that thought is terrifying. I can’t join the military, and where I live it isn’t safe for women to take any random job or work nights. My family also won’t accept me doing certain kinds of casual work because of local social views - people here don’t usually do part-time jobs the way others might in different countries. Which skill should I learn? What degree should I pick? I know it’s normal to not have everything figured out, and I don’t expect a full life plan - I just want a clear next step. I don’t know. I wish I had someone to guide me. Any duas, advice, or suggestions for realistic next steps (skills to learn from home, degree paths that can be helpful here, ways to build some financial independence within cultural limits) would mean a lot. JazakAllah khair.

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7comments
3 months ago

This hit home. If nights and unsafe travel are a problem, think about teaching online (English conversation, school subjects) - many platforms let you work from home with flexible hours. It’s respectable and fits cultural boundaries usually.

+3
3 months ago

You’re not alone, I felt the same after finishing school. Try learning web design basics or graphic design - lots of remote work and flexible hours. Start with free resources, then a paid cert if you can. Little steps = longterm change.

+12
3 months ago

Congrats again, and breathe. Pick one small, useful skill and stick with it for 3 months: Excel, basic coding, or online teaching prep. That clarity helps anxiety and gives you something marketable. Asking for help is brave - keep going.

+10
3 months ago

So proud of you! Therapy + meds is already a big win. For degrees, think practical: education, nursing (if acceptable locally), or IT diplomas you can start online. Even short certified courses can open doors here. Sending duas and hugs.

+16
3 months ago

As-salamu alaykum sister, mashAllah on your result - that’s huge! Maybe start with online courses: basic accounting, Excel, or social media management. They’re useful locally and doable from home. One step at a time, you’ve already proven you can finish goals. Dua for ease, you got this.

+14
3 months ago

Dua for you, sister. Also practical tip: build a CV with volunteer or small paid projects - even family tutoring counts. When guardians see you’re steady and responsible, they might support more study or work later.

+10
3 months ago

Wa alaikum salam, congrats on 82%! I’d try freelancing sites for remote work - data entry, transcription, virtual assistant. Learn a skill for a few months, then try small gigs. It’ll build confidence and some income without breaking family rules.

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