Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:50     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
I would not get a MFA unless it doesn't cost you a dime. If you're paying for the MFA, then I would switch to something that gives you better means to support yourself and write after work/class or in the mornings.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:48     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Have you been accepted into a MFA program that is fully funded by the program?

If it doesn't cost you anything (I don't know of any programs that don't cost something) then it could buy you some time.

If it is you paying, then I would definitely not get a MFA at this point. Just more debt, and it is unrealistic that you will get a teaching position. And you don't need a MFA to be a journalist. Were you hoping to be a fiction writer? That is nearly as impossible, if not more, than becoming a professor.

If you can't find a job with your current degree, then I would look at getting a graduate degree in something that is more useful, then write in your off times.

Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.


Why am I not employable now? I just got offered a part-time journalism internship after I graduate. Would getting an MFA in Creative Writing really make me less employable?


Anyonr who is blaming their parents for net being an adult at 22 should not be going to grad school. Who is fully funding the NFA when you have undergrad loans?


My parents are paying off my undergrad loans. And a fully-funded MFA pays for living expenses + covers all tuition.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:42     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:Sounds like the dog is a big part of the problem and you're developing a victim mentality doubling down on prior bad choices.


This, unfortunately. I would also point out that your obsession with this difficult dog that no one likes sounds similar to the bad choices you have made with boyfriends and friends. This bad dog loves YOU (a bit like your professor showing such interest in you, making you feel special, only to find out he could be a man who seeks out females he can have affairs with) and this bad dog loving you and clearly no one else makes you feel special. These sorts of bad characters make you feel special. I say this as someone who had a similar mindset, and NO ONE treated me with true respect until I STOPPED needing it. I was needy without realizing it, and that puts a target on your back for people who will use your neediness. I literally had the epiphany, then started reading anything I could to help myself learn to be strong.

What I think is commendable is that you are now seeing that things need to change. You need to change. As many have already said, what you are going through is a phase of life. It's the perfect time to change, strengthen the trajectory of your life. I am a big dog person, but like you, I got a problematic dog toward the end of college. My roommates told me if I didn't get rid of the dog I had to leave. It is by living that you learn the hard lessons. Most people don't even believe the lessons apply until they learn them the hard way.

So grab this new phase and know that starting now you can make a great life. And once you start on a promising path you'll know that you did it on your own.

Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:24     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP you are the norm for your generation. Once the last boomer retires it will be time to turn out the lights. It’s been several generations now where very few people have adult skills exiting college and what’s worse they tend never to develop those adult skills.


But clearly they learned how to blame others for their shortcomings. Blaming one's parents is embarrassing. No one is responsible for you but yourself.


I feel like my original post does blame my parents too much; in retrospect, my parents pushing me towards engineering or a more lucrative major would've engendered more pushback from me. Yes, I realize it's up to me now to create a healthier future for myself. But it's hard when you don't really know what's good vs. bad for your future (MFA vs. no MFA? Probably shouldn't go after the creepy prof but it's tempting...).
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:22     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.


Why am I not employable now? I just got offered a part-time journalism internship after I graduate. Would getting an MFA in Creative Writing really make me less employable?


Anyonr who is blaming their parents for net being an adult at 22 should not be going to grad school. Who is fully funding the NFA when you have undergrad loans?


My parents are paying off my undergrad loans. And a fully-funded MFA pays for living expenses + covers all tuition.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:19     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:OP you are the norm for your generation. Once the last boomer retires it will be time to turn out the lights. It’s been several generations now where very few people have adult skills exiting college and what’s worse they tend never to develop those adult skills.


But clearly they learned how to blame others for their shortcomings. Blaming one's parents is embarrassing. No one is responsible for you but yourself.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:16     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.


Why am I not employable now? I just got offered a part-time journalism internship after I graduate. Would getting an MFA in Creative Writing really make me less employable?


Anyonr who is blaming their parents for net being an adult at 22 should not be going to grad school. Who is fully funding the NFA when you have undergrad loans?
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:15     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Lots of creative writing in this post. Don't fall for it.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 15:14     Subject: Re:Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
It takes a year and a half to get a second bachelor's in nursing. Have your mom pay for that instead of paying off your student loans. Your parents got you through a bachelor's degree.

They have done their job. Time for you to take control

Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:49     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.


Why am I not employable now? I just got offered a part-time journalism internship after I graduate. Would getting an MFA in Creative Writing really make me less employable?


The time for internships was the summer before your junior year of college. The time for a part-time work schedule was in late high school. OP, in one week you are a college graduate (Congratulations btw!) and the time now is to be a responsible grown up who will work full time, get benefits and support themselves.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:46     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
OP you are the norm for your generation. Once the last boomer retires it will be time to turn out the lights. It’s been several generations now where very few people have adult skills exiting college and what’s worse they tend never to develop those adult skills.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:33     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.


Why am I not employable now? I just got offered a part-time journalism internship after I graduate. Would getting an MFA in Creative Writing really make me less employable?
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:30     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.


Yes, of course there is a reason. You are not employable now and earning an MFA in creative writing will not change that fact. Especially as AI continues to develop and invade daily life.
Either go to graduate school to study something that will directly lead to future earning potential or start working now and paying down your debt.
You can not be this clueless OP. Honestly, you can't afford to be.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:25     Subject: Re:Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Financial Peace University

Do not get another degree that won’t pay the bills. It’s not too late to consider pivoting to something more practical.

Writing, journalism, dance, etc. are for people with generational wealth. Do not compare yourself to your classmates.
Anonymous
Post 05/11/2026 14:24     Subject: Anyone else feel like their idealistic parents didn't prepare them for adulthood?
Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Your parents owed you food, clothing, shelter, care for your health, and love. Some parents offer advice/preparation beyond this but it's not part of the baseline job description. Based on their professions, your folks are really from a different time--they wouldn't have known. But it's OK because you're an adult now and you are in charge of your own life. Sometimes that involves learning from mistakes. Don't apply to grad school. Instead, find a job that allows you to support yourself--be driven in pursuit of this. Work ethic and ability to regularly learn new skills counts for a lot more than what your major was. Think about what you want in life and figure out what kind of job you can do that will pay you enough to achieve it. Try to meet as many helpful people to finding that career path as you can. You've got this.

Friendships and relationships in college and one's early 20s are messy. People are still figuring themselves out. But any mistakes you make at this stage in life are mistakes you won't be making later. Sending you all the luck.


Just curious, what do you mean by this? Are there certain professions (ie: tech?) where adults are more... with the times, so to speak?

Is there a reason why so many posters are telling me not to apply to grad school? An MFA in Creative Writing is fully funded, so it wouldn't put me in more debt.