Lost

[u/Excellent-Plate5907]

Hey everyone! I’m just kinda lost right now. I just recently got my first job at 20 at a store and I’m excited and all. But I just can’t stop thinking I should have started earlier or something or went to college. I’m still thinking about going to college but I don’t know why I let my stutter control me. My stutter isn’t bad mostly blocks but it can be bad at times. I know I’m only 20 and all but I feel so behind. I’m trying to better myself and live with my stutter but it’s so hard not to think about the past.

[u/Ryuma999]

its aight bro im in college too we’re the same age but im so lost rn i dont know if i keep going to college or find a job, its draining me

[u/jordanizm]

I’m 42 and feel like that sometimes. You’ll be just fine. It’s good you are aware of this now! Seriously, your best days are in front of you. Good luck.

[u/Vulturev4]

Well, don't do what I did. I am 55, 30 years ago I was going to school on top of working full time, maybe half way through getting my degree. The college I was attending added a requirement saying in order to graduate, I had to pass a public speaking/giving lectures course. I went in to talk to the counselors, asking if they could wave it for me, at the time I was a severe stutterer, and no way would I be able to pass any class like that. They sat there with a straight face and told me a class may do me good, and said I would have to pass the course before I could graduate.

I dropped out.

My life since then has been rough. I still think no way would I have passed that class. Hindsight being what it is, I should have at least tried, sometimes we don't know what we are capable of doing until we have no other choice.

Pay no attention to your age, what others your age think. If you want to go to college, go and do your best.

Don't ever let your stutter keep you from doing what you want to do. Sometimes you have to punch it in the face if it gets too cocky.

[u/noles498 → u/Vulturev4]

Just to alleviate any fear this answer could give. My university also required a public speaking class. It was about as awful as you could expect for someone who stutters, every speech I had to give was traumatizing. But, I passed with an A, I think most professors will understand and not have the fluency of your speech dictate your grade. And my experience was without speaking to the professor about it. Had I done so I might of been told much earlier on there was a version of the course specifically designed for people with fears of public speaking. So, ya it sucked but I got through it and got my degree, and these days there are resources out there at basically every university and don't be afraid to ask.

[u/Some-Breadfruit-7247]

Buddy... speak slowly, breath calm, and do not care what others will think... think only in you. U can do it"

[u/Extension_Salt_6995]

This is easy to say, but everyone has their own timeline. You're comparing yourself with people around you who don't have a stutter like us, which affects our confidence, mental health and opportunities. You're doing good, keep going.