Posts by William Sanders6

I suspect the answer to these kinds of questions lies within our own character—specifically, who we actually turn out to be when we’re confronted by something new, unexpected, demanding, or entirely unknown.
Can we actually embrace change and find a way to integrate it into our lives?
To what extent can we manage our emotions through some semblance of healthy reflection? What is it, really, that we expect from life?
What are our flaws and virtues, and how do we generally navigate the world?
- This is where you find the answers regarding one's "performance" as a parent.

I suppose you're looking at two distinct paths here:
- You could try to juggle your job and a "normal" life while attempting to manage treatment on the side.
The problem is, that's likely going to be twice as difficult. Since your version of a "normal life" is currently defined by this struggle, finding any real traction feels almost impossible.
- Or, you could find the courage to finally put yourself first. Take some time off—whether it’s paid leave or just stepping away entirely—and get out of the environment that keeps you sick, moving instead toward a new situation where healing is actually possible.

If you go with the first option, I suspect your recovery will just stall indefinitely, and honestly, the outcome is questionable at best.
If you choose the second, you'll have to hit pause on "normal life" for a brief, intense period. But in doing so, you might actually resolve this once and for all, allowing you to eventually build your own "happily ever after."

I wish you luck, and more importantly, courage. I think you can do this.

Sometimes, those slow, incremental transitions and gradual shifts just don't lead anywhere.
Occasionally, the only real solution is to simply ban everything—to cut ties completely and walk away. It’s going to be brutal, I suppose, but maybe that's more straightforward than trying to manage with "just half a joint and one beer a day."
You’re going to struggle regardless, so you might as well make a clean break and just get rid of the whole mess once and for all.

You can handle this; just keep in mind that every single day will eventually feel a little easier. 👍

Nathan Turner2 said:What's actually missing from a dynamic like that?
Do you really need a label? Would it actually be easier if he told you that you were in a "real" relationship or married?
The issue isn't the arrangement; it's that you want to feel like a respectable, committed partner, and those two things don't align here.
If there aren't other major issues, just enjoy the connection and stop overanalyzing everything you read online.

What are you even talking about? A relationship implies exclusivity and commitment, which is clearly not what this guy wants.

My advice to the author: walk away. But don't do it as a tactic to make him chase you; do it as a way to find yourself again.
He isn't going to change. If he actually had real feelings for you, he’d want you all to himself. The truth is, he just doesn't care. You don't mean much to him, so please, stop hurting yourself and find someone who actually deserves you.

Based on your level of self-awareness and the way you express yourself, it's clear you're quite intelligent, though
- you should probably talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication; maybe a different combination would suit you better.
- try tackling small challenges every day that trigger just a hint of discomfort—that familiar anxiety. Push yourself slightly and overcome those minor hurdles daily.
- you need to build some structure into your routine, specifically regarding exercise. Working out triggers that natural endorphin rush, and you'll likely see progress over time. Plus, whenever anxious thoughts start creeping in, physical activity can help; rhythmic movement, controlled breathing, even counting your reps—it all acts as therapy for both mind and body.
- I'd suggest shifting your mindset regarding these job opportunities. You might mess them up, you might nail them, or you might find they're actually more interesting than you anticipated, which could spark some much-needed motivation and drive. That alone could contribute to a healthier lifestyle. You never really know. It’s best to approach this with an open, relaxed mind—which is hard when you're dealing with anxiety—but staying open to both failure and success without being so tense might help things fall into place naturally.

Someone mentioned once that anxiety is essentially just being obsessed with the past or the future. There's a lot of truth in that. That's why it's vital to focus on the tasks directly in front of you right now. Every option remains on the table, but you reach them one step at a time, not all at once (trying to jump ahead is exactly what fuels that terrifying, anxious feeling). So, I suppose you should look at these opportunities as a bit of a game. Even if they don't work out, it doesn't mean you're incompetent or incapable. Quite the opposite. In the worst-case scenario, you'll find a way to pivot and start over. I say that because of how you write and how self-aware you seem to be regarding yourself and the world.

Just take it easy, one step at a time.

Benjamin Alvarez18 said:Everything just feels kind of pointless lately. I feel like I’ve checked all the boxes—learned everything I was supposed to, read all the books, gathered all the info... but what's left? Like, where do you even go from here? 😢

Just surround yourself with small comforts and try to take life one step at a time.
Find something you can do today that brings a little bit of joy. Just do that.
And then, I suppose, just repeat that process every single day.

silvereagle7 said:Honestly 🙂, William Sanders6 wrote such an incredible post about all this, I feel like I should print it out and pin it to my wall just to remind myself...

Benjamin Alvarez18 said:Right on? 🙂, I honestly think it suits me perfectly.
Good luck to you too, silvereagle7 🙂))

Thanks, ladies. You've really brightened my mood, and I'm genuinely glad I could offer a little bit of help 😍 take care and stay strong!

Why don't you just ease up on all that self-imposed pressure? Maybe try focusing on the things in life that actually bring you satisfaction—the stuff you genuinely enjoy doing,
and eventually, you might just figure out who you really are.
Obviously, you can't just decide this overnight, like you're picking a character in a video game. You can't find yourself through endless analysis, either; you just end up lost in the corridors of your own past, overwhelmed by heavy thoughts.

Here is the reality of the situation:
Whatever was essential about you in the past—your core essence—it will resurface in the present when the timing is right. Something that has always been part of you won't reveal itself through sheer force; it happens when the circumstances and conditions align properly.
Analyze yourself a little less, relax a little more, and stick to the things that feel natural to you, where you feel at home. It'll come, don't worry too much.

For the most part, my advice aligns with what darkjackal7 mentioned.

There really is a massive variety of roles available out there. I’d suggest heading over to the major job boards and scrolling through every single category—even the miscellaneous ones where you might find things like cleaning services or general labor. You can stumble upon some surprisingly interesting opportunities that way.
Just keep digging until you land on something that actually fits your needs.

And honestly, I have to say, I admire your incredible positivity despite dealing with such an exhausting diagnosis.. 🙂

I’ll be brutally honest with you.
What does your current living situation actually look like? I assume you’re still living with your parents and they’re mostly supporting you. That can’t go on forever, though; eventually, you’re going to be left to fend for yourself... sorry if that sounds a bit morbid.
Looking further down the road, you should also keep in mind that here in the States, we really can't count on Social Security providing much in our old age. Relying on it is practically impossible, so even those $767 aren't exactly guaranteed..

If you take that benefit now and spend a few years learning a skill that makes you employable, could you eventually regain your status as an able-bodied worker? Maybe check that out on the Law subforum, or consult with someone who knows the ropes.
The situation doesn't have to be black and white. Making a choice like this might not be a life sentence; it could just be a temporary measure until you get your footing.

Thirdly, how much does your vision loss actually impact your ability to work?
Did you bold your post because your eyesight isn't great, or was there some other reason? Even with that kind of struggle, there might still be jobs out there for you.
I’m thinking of things like customer support, sales, and so on—the list goes on. For instance, I know about freelance gigs in translation or subtitling movies. There are plenty of freelance sites with a huge variety of options. There is a massive range of things you could do to earn a living or specialize in; they just aren't the "classic" jobs that immediately come to mind. You have to find them through research and a little bit of luck.

I realize all of this is pretty demotivating, especially since you've found yourself in such a rough spot at such a young age, but hang in there. Eventually, a good combination of circumstances will probably surface. I hope you get some more ideas and suggestions here.

dustyheron5 said:If she buys right now, the price will likely drop—but if she waits until the end of the year, it’s going to climb. It really is that simple. 😁

That’s exactly right. 😁 Perhaps there’s some merit to a split approach—buying half now and holding the other half for later. I suppose that might be a way to hedge against volatility, though I can't say for certain if it's the smartest move. Maybe. 😁

Michael Morgan5 said:It jumped because demand is up, and since the spike is pretty massive, the demand behind it is massive too.
There aren't really any big mysteries here... investors are moving their cash into safer assets because they're bracing for a recession.
On top of that, interest rates on savings accounts are dropping, Trump is at war with the Chinese person over tariffs and exchange rates, and things are messy with Iran... there you go. 🙂
If you're only buying a tiny amount of gold, it doesn't really matter when or where you grab it.
Just don't buy it from a mall jeweler.

I appreciate the thoughtful response.
I know some people are bracing for a crisis as early as the start of next year, while others think we won't see the hammer drop for maybe two years. I’ve been wondering if gold's recent surge is just a direct reaction to those specific fears, or if I somehow missed some major headline that triggered this move. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I figured it was worth asking just in case.
I am buying a very modest amount. 🕺 I suppose I view this more as a form of long-term savings—whether that holds up for the short term or the long haul remains to be seen. I really have no desire to hold onto cash right now, given those specific market predictions we've been discussing.

Greetings to everyone.

I have two questions regarding current market conditions...

1. What exactly is driving this massive surge in gold prices we've seen over the last few months? I suppose there must be some underlying reason for such a sudden spike.

2. I am considering purchasing a very small amount of gold. Given the unsettling price jumps recently—and considering that gold generally follows standard bull and bear cycles—I am somewhat uncertain whether it would be wiser to buy now or perhaps wait until the end of the year.

I would appreciate any insights you might be willing to share.

How much does the major you’re finishing now actually align with that technical field you're looking at?
Would you be content if you didn't follow that specific technical track perfectly, but instead found a way to bridge what you already know with a technical perspective or application?

Regarding that technical specialty—are you certain a university degree is absolutely necessary for it?
For instance, you can teach yourself programming. I guess the catch is that a lot of self-taught people never reach the same level of depth as someone with a degree, often ending up stuck doing game design or other mediocre junk. For "real" programming, you need math and statistics. You could probably learn it all on your own while working a job to pay the bills, and then eventually look into taking exams or earning the right certifications down the road.
An online bootcamp or community college setup is fairly respectable, and they're specifically designed for people who are already working and looking to pivot careers.

In America, we still tend to obsess over paperwork and certificates, but in other parts of the world—and this approach is slowly making its way here too—the focus is shifting toward what you can actually do and the quality of your experience, rather than just documentation and diplomas.

If it’s feasible, try to steer the skills you've built up over the years toward your ultimate goal. Maybe try to lose as little ground as possible while gaining as much as you can.

Regarding the specifics of the conversation,
don't beat yourself up too much over how you came across. These things happen all the time; we've all been there. The people interviewing you were sitting on the other side of that table once, too. We all know how it goes—it’s high pressure, and I suppose you’d have to be a total jerk to judge someone just because they’re visibly nervous.
My suggestion is to keep that in mind for next time. Just own it. If you're feeling the jitters, admit it. Maybe make a quick, casual comment about being a little anxious to break the ice, and then just move on.

As for the bigger picture,
you have to realize that just as you tackle routine, scheduled tasks one by one, sudden situations work the same way. It's literally just step by step. You deal with whatever comes your way as it happens.
If this is a recurring issue for you, maybe try throwing yourself into small, unpredictable moments in your daily life. Give yourself some random tasks, step into the unknown, or change up your usual routines and habits. I guess the more you practice these tiny bits of spontaneity and randomness, the better you'll handle the big stuff when it actually matters.

If you truly feel that specific purpose burning inside you—if it feels absolutely vital—then giving up isn't an option. You have to keep finding new ways to make it happen.
That said, if a particular move doesn't lead directly toward that goal and instead puts what you already own at risk, then it probably isn't the right move. I suppose you should focus on low-risk maneuvers that bring you closer to the objective, slowly and steadily. Don't jeopardize the very things keeping you standing. Try to find a workaround, or perhaps just a direct path.
If you think you'll spend the rest of your life regretting not pursuing this, then you can't quit until you reach a point where you can finally say, with some sense of peace—I did everything within my power.

Maybe you all should just coordinate and head to a single location together—somewhere they actually sell tickets for this show, or even just the venue itself—and let them handle the verification process there.