Dear Reader,

Boredom is one of those emotions that, when we feel it, seems as though anything we do will make us feel even more bored, so that we're unable to see beyond it. If you're feeling bored, you're probably feeling a bit unmotivated, depressed, or defeated as well. In this kind of state, it's hard to rev up the ol' engines and look for a more exciting option. It's not unusual, though, at this crossroads in life (as the upper-teen years are for many people), to feel stuck, a bit scared, and maybe even a little blue as you consider the choices ahead of you.

That's what life is really about anyway: choices. While you describe yourself as feeling bored, what this might be hiding is a desire within you to try some new things, perhaps even take some risks and test your talents and interests. Maybe this is scary, or seems impossible within the context of your current living situation. As cliché as it may be, though, people do really "pull themselves up by the bootstraps" to make their dreams become reality. But in order to do this, you've gotta have some dreams!

When you think about moving on into your next few years of life, what do you picture? What are the opportunities that seem available? Maybe the "adults" you know are in jobs where they don't feel challenged or creative, or you've felt that way in school or jobs yourself. While it certainly takes all kinds of jobs and workers and types of people to keep the world moving, perhaps you'd like to see yourself doing something really amazing. Indeed, there are lots of ways to both earn money and contribute to your own and others' well-being, while filling your days with varied responsibilities to avoid the doldrums. Many people struggle to figure out what kind of career is right for them, and how to get there. The strategies in I want a better job! in Alice's Emotional Health archive may be helpful for you to consider.

If your current location has limited opportunities, you might also consider moving someplace else with more variety, openings, or that piques your interest. You could even try looking abroad. Of course, relocating and traveling cost money. If you're in school, your program likely offers a number of resources to help you find creative and low-cost ways of exploring different locales and venues for learning. Try contacting your Career office, guidance counselor, or advisor. If you currently have a job, your company may have branches in other areas or be able to send you on assignments away from home. There are also organizations like the Peace Corps and Teach for America that are always looking for potential participants. You can easily find information about programs such as these on the Web.