In my 20s I got really optimistic about aging. See I was unschooled and never really had any life outside my home life, which wasn't great. Didn't get a high school diploma and starting my first job felt impossible.
Soon I made a group of friends, I discovered art, and I felt like I was capable of learning and growing and having a fulfilling life. I actually looked forward to being 30 because I thought I'd have matured a lot and learned how to live.
30 now. My friends were toxic. I lost my passion for art. I can't find any work outside of retail and I can't get an education because I'm so busy making ends meet. I feel like I've regressed into the worst version of my shut-in child self. I work and I get what sleep I can and I have no relationships.
I really hope this is part of the process.