Would the world become a better place if I were to die?

Flying walrus

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May 28, 2011
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I'm being 100% serious about this question. I am a soon to be 21 year old male and I can't find a job anywhere, no matter where I try. I am currently in college working on an English degree but I'm hardly doing well, in fact whenever anyone else simply opens their mouth I feel like the dumbest person in the room and I very well may be. Then it's of course the fact that a liberal arts degree like the one I'm working on is absolutely useless for my (nonexistant) future according to most of the people I've met in my life but I'm simply far too stupid to even think of studying any kind of science.
Adding to that I have absolutely no social skill whatsoever, am absolutely hideous physically and couldn't stand up for myself to save my life, not that I deserve being anything other than a doormat for others. I'm basically a whiny, stupid, ugly, weak drain on society whose death most people I've met would undoubtedly celebrate.
And yes, to the inevitable replies stating that I should stop whining to the internet about my stupid problems and just off myself already, well... You're probably right.
 

F7A537

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Oct 30, 2011
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Ok, i'm no expert but life for people just getting jobs isn't the easiest at the moment due to financial problems around the globe, education wise? i kinda know where your coming from in the "stupid" department because it feels a bit like that for me sometimes but what i did was find something that i'm good at and worked on it and i've found my place a little in my school, it may not be very high but i'm happy because when i need someone my friends aren't that far away. social skills can be easily boosted simply by having self-confidence and talking alot with mates and anging out with them. being ugly? everyone thinks they are at some point and it's been pointed out to me many times that others see you differently to how you see yourself and yeah the second is important, the first can drastically affect it so try working on that too. suicide is never the correct option, i believe that every other option must be totally exhausted before that should even come to mind. keep looking up and work hard, try to keep smiling and it'll work out. it's all good, my little motto whenever i start to feel down, and if it isn't yet it will be soon.
 

Sandernista

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Feb 26, 2009
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No.

I'm not very good at this, but you just gotta push through.

Just keep going out, jobs are hard to find all over. (I apply to maybe 6-8 jobs a week and have not gotten a single interview/reply, no matter how I pester employers.)

And hey! Libarts majors are getting better and better prospects, for a time specialization was what was really pushed, now employers are looking a lot for employees who can handle more varied tasks which is what many libarts majors are taught.
 

Svenparty

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Don't let a Job be your only purpose. You may feel stupid but if you feel stupid you can rectify this and occupy your mind as well. I think a lot of people(including myself) feel lost and that they are pointless. But there will be moments where you don't feel pointless even if it's just among friends. If all your friends are arseholes then join a club of some sort and start meeting better classes of people.

You seem in a very low place about your self esteem to put it lightly. I am often insecure but I'm trying to make up for it in charm and feel I need to extend myself because I'm not even a pretty face.



What you should do for now is simply try and list what you could do to improve yourself mentally and physically and stick to your chosen path. Also try and be kind to yourself because you are being very hard on yourself.
 

NorthernStar

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Oct 24, 2011
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No. Definitely not.

Although if I were you, I'd consider talking to a professional about this. The way you talk yourself down is just terrible and it may one day get the best of you. Your self esteem seems dreadfully low, to put it lightly.

While we all have things we do not like about ourselves, it's also good to learn and access what we are good at and what we can do in terms of personality, appearance, talents, etc.

Seriously, consider talking to someone about this. And don't be afraid to follow your own path in life.
 

Limecake

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May 18, 2011
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NorthernStar said:
No. Definitely not.

Although if I were you, I'd consider talking to a professional about this. The way you talk yourself down is just terrible and it may one day get the best of you. Your self esteem seems dreadfully low, to put it lightly.
Pretty much, you need to be comfortable in your own skin if you're to ever be comfortable around anyone else. It's really easy for those of us with self-esteem to sit here and say "just cheer up, it can't be that bad" but confidence doesn't work like that.

I'd suggest find something that you love doing, you said you're in college for an English degree so I assume you like to write/read. Don't consider yourself stupid just because the people around you sound smart, I've met far too many pretentious English majors to know that there are plenty of them out there just trying so hard to seem smart.

just find something you love to do and stick with it, it might not always have the best pay but at least you'll be doing what you want to do.
 

Imp Poster

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The great thing about opinions and outlook on your life is that it can change. I remember when I was in my teens, I thought I knew everything. I always argued for my views and opinions on almost everything and maybe even the things I didn't know. I argued those things with anyone I could, even my parents who knows me probably better than anyone including myself. When I was about your age going to college, all that dropped like a ton a bricks. I found myself not really knowing anything, being lonely, not knowing what the future holds for me and most of all, doubting myself if I can even do it if I knew what it was I was going to do. Welcome to the "real" world. Through all that, I managed to keep going foward, guaduated college, had alot of little jobs till I got a job that is now my career and best part of my life, I am with a beautiful girl that loves me.

Everything you said about yourself can change. It's a matter of perspective. Communication is a skill believe or not(and not something you have or don't have, like a talent) and if it is a skill, you can get better at it. Take a communication class in college, that helped me alot in terms of talking with people. Physically, well, start working out if you want a better looking body, most women are not in it for the looks believe me, I am not a looker either, but rarely in my dating life did I feel like my looks caused the girl to turn me down or atleast the girl didn't make me feel that way. And do you really want a girl that is into looks and material things than character? Heck, old wrinkly guys get girls still, being 21 can't be that bad. Can it?
 

putowtin

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Jul 7, 2010
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You are worth more than you seem to think, but I understand why you feel this way.

The best advice I can give you, (and this is from personal experience) is to take yourself out.
Take youself out of the situations that are making you unhappy, you can't find a job, but that's because there aren't any at the moment. You don't like the degree your taking, forget about the workload and remember the reason you signed up for it in the first place. You think that these people are so clever? their just saying stuff that they think makes them seem clever.

Until you can bring yourself around you will feel this bad, take a fresh look at your life, make the changes you need to to make yourself feel better, and never forget, you are not alone there's always someone to talk to, even here on the escapist.
 

Odd Owl

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Oct 21, 2011
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The world would be much the worse if you were to die. If for no other reason, it takes an admirable sense of humor to call yourself the Flying walrus, and I would be deprived of a smile for every time I see it on one of your posts if you were to pass away.

As far as your current job prospects are concerned, it is by no means your fault. The global economy is terrible right now, so no matter where you are, jobs can be hard to come by. But it's not impossible. I myself acquired a "useless" liberal arts degree and I assure you that uses for them can, in fact, be found. If you'd like any help on that front, please feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to help you brainstorm some things that you might be interested in doing with your degree. Or you can open that up for the community here on this thread or another. I'm sure others would love the chance to help out.

As for your social skills, those are something that must be learned. I also had a hard time developing my own social skills. There are books out there that are really useful in this regard. I'd suggest "How to Win Friends and Influence People" for a start.

I've also suffered from intense depression and I know how hard it can be to believe that things will ever get better. This is something that we at the Escapist are simply not equipped to help you with, so, like others, I'd recommend seeking professional help. There's no shame in that - I've done it myself on multiple ocassions and I think it's always been helpful in one way or another.
 

chaosyoshimage

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Apr 1, 2011
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If your serious, well, of course not, one death isn't going to make the world become a better place. I'm not very helpful right now since my life is pretty crappy, but I'm still going, mostly because despite what I might think, there are people who would be worse off without me, and I couldn't hurt them by taking my life. Besides, I'm still dreaming of a better tomorrow, who knows, it could happen...
 

Aurgelmir

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Nov 11, 2009
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Flying walrus said:
Would the world become a better place if I were to die?
Simple answer No.

More elaborate answer:

If you feel the world don't care about you when you now, why should it be a more better place without you?

Let's face it, you are 21 you have a goood long time to get stuff going for you :) Don't fret just power through and eventually you will have a job, a girl, a flat and maybe even kids :) It might not always go as you planned, but it usually ends well :)
 

ultrachicken

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Dec 22, 2009
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Not at all. I don't really know you except for the tidbits you've shared, which are obviously coming from the mouth of someone with extremely low self esteem, possibly tied into depression, and therefore I find it difficult to take that information as truth.

Now I wouldn't say that high confidence necessarily correlates with success, but low confidence definitely correlates with lack of success. People rarely enjoy the company of someone who is constantly putting themselves down, because that just makes an awkward situation. So I would say you should see a professional about this problem.

Also, devaluing yourself because you can't get a job is an inaccurate way of measuring yourself. Everyone is having trouble finding a job right now, and you're no exception.

Good luck.
 

Genericjim101

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Jan 7, 2011
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Flying walrus said:
I'm being 100% serious about this question. I am a soon to be 21 year old male and I can't find a job anywhere, no matter where I try. I am currently in college working on an English degree but I'm hardly doing well, in fact whenever anyone else simply opens their mouth I feel like the dumbest person in the room and I very well may be. Then it's of course the fact that a liberal arts degree like the one I'm working on is absolutely useless for my (nonexistant) future according to most of the people I've met in my life but I'm simply far too stupid to even think of studying any kind of science.
Adding to that I have absolutely no social skill whatsoever, am absolutely hideous physically and couldn't stand up for myself to save my life, not that I deserve being anything other than a doormat for others. I'm basically a whiny, stupid, ugly, weak drain on society whose death most people I've met would undoubtedly celebrate.
And yes, to the inevitable replies stating that I should stop whining to the internet about my stupid problems and just off myself already, well... You're probably right.
Dude 21 year old sperging, hydro-cephalic, who had only just kicked out his abusive stepdad of 8 years and got a job. Yet I met someone that made me think "DAYAM! That's bad" about their shizzle. Meet someone whose got it worse, empathise, get some professional help and keep trucking.
 

Soods

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Honest answer: world would be a better place without mankind. But unless you were planning on wiping out the whole mankind, I propose "screw the world" attitude.
 

Zen Toombs

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Nov 7, 2011
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Flying walrus said:
I'm being 100% serious about this question. I am a soon to be 21 year old male and I can't find a job anywhere, no matter where I try. I am currently in college working on an English degree but I'm hardly doing well, in fact whenever anyone else simply opens their mouth I feel like the dumbest person in the room and I very well may be. Then it's of course the fact that a liberal arts degree like the one I'm working on is absolutely useless for my (nonexistant) future according to most of the people I've met in my life but I'm simply far too stupid to even think of studying any kind of science.
Adding to that I have absolutely no social skill whatsoever, am absolutely hideous physically and couldn't stand up for myself to save my life, not that I deserve being anything other than a doormat for others. I'm basically a whiny, stupid, ugly, weak drain on society whose death most people I've met would undoubtedly celebrate.
And yes, to the inevitable replies stating that I should stop whining to the internet about my stupid problems and just off myself already, well... You're probably right.
No, the world would not be a better place if you were to die. You make the world a better place just by existing, okay? Especially because there are people that would miss you if you left this world. Even if you don't think there would be, there are.

Flying walrus said:
And yes, to the inevitable replies stating that I should stop whining to the internet about my stupid problems and just off myself already, well... You're probably right.
And as for ^^this^^, we are not 4-chan. Some of us are actually decent human beings. While you're hurting now, things WILL get better.

Also, if you're even semi-serious about offing yourself, you may want to talk to a psychologist. Your school should have a free counseling center.

Go to it.
 

Zack Alklazaris

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Sounds like me a year ago. Look bud, I have a bacholars degree of science, I went to one of the top 3 schools in the country in my field. My resume had internships with positive reviews and non-paying gigs where I worked with people like the DP who worked on Linkin Park's - What I've Done music video. And I STILL found nothing! My point is, look it sucks right now, many people are suffering in the job market not just you. Don't take that as a shut up, take that as a you have done nothing wrong. Your not stupid, you just are in a bad moment in time. So don't kick yourself for not finding work.

As for your self proclaimed "lack of intelligence", most people feel that way. I do believe everyone here can say they have face palmed themselves for the stupid shit they have said in the past. The good part is no cares but you. Ever heard the phrase "You are your worst critic?" People are most critical over themselves than anyone else. You see other people have their own worries, their own doubts, their own problems. This isn't grade school anymore. People are not going to be talking in the halls about how you bombed the lecture. And chances are you're doing fine. Your in college to learn. You will improve yourself drastically by the end of it.

Physical issues? Women in general are not as stuck up when it comes to looks as men, comes from the caregiver complex or something. Once again I think your being overly critical on yourself. I thought I was butt ugly for years, till one day I met a girl who said I was hot. There is someone out there for everyone, you just need to keep looking. If you feel disgusting look in the mirror and change things about yourself, your clothes, your hair, etc. It sounds girly, but really a new look can do wonders for your confidence.

Social issues, that I can not help you on. I am horrible when it comes to social rules. Comes from being an aspie. You need someone who has the patience to sit down and teach you these rules.

I leave with this, don't do anything rash. You have no idea if there is another life, hell you don't even know if this life is going to suck. So don't end this one prematurely. Your 21, life is difficult at that time. I would say its one of the hardest times in your life and its ok to be terrified of failing. Your future is shrouded in smoke and the only predictions you can make on how it will turn out is how good your doing in the present. Its scary as shit, believe me I know. Just giving it time, do your best, and take out the time to give yourself pats on the back.
 

Alexi089

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Jun 26, 2011
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Short answer: Probably not, no. And you certanily wouldn't be better off.

As a general rule of life, where there is a future, there is hope. And that thing you really want but can't have sounds better than it is.

Also, you (like me actually) are nearing a transition stage in your life where you have to enter the proper adult world. I have friends who left uni over a year ago, and sure some of them took a while to find a job relevant job, but they all did eventually (science and arts students); and none of us are geniuses, just persistent. It's pretty common when nothing's very certain to think 'shit.. CAN I do this?' If youv'e made it this far, you probably can. Even if you can't there will be something else you will find you can do. Make a list of skills and areas of study you know you're strong at; and don't be too modest. If anything, be a little bit arrogant, since you'll get better with further challenge at your lesser strengths.

With regards to intelligence, people only let others know about the things they did well. Everyone sweeps their silly mistakes under the carpet. I doubt many people in you seminars really make less mistakes than you do if they actually try to push themselves.

Looks wise, I'm assuming you're worried about women not finding you attractive? Most people can be made to look at least reasonably attractive just with clean, fitting clothes; good hygiene; a well chosen haircut; good deodrant/ cologne; a decent exercise routine (not necessarily 'ripped') and a dose of confident body language. Factor in that beauty is subjective and consider that these following men are said to be attractive by women: Johnny Depp, David Tennant, Daniel Craig; yet have nothing in common with each other looks-wise; theres a fair chance you could be pretty darn attractive to a sizeable group of women. If there's something specific bothering you (maybe acne, dandruff or a body odour issue) make an appointment with your GP asap and just keep trying them til you find the treatment that works.

Since social skills are skills, they can be developed. Therefore I recommend two things: joining a sports club which will make you fitter and stronger whilst allowing you some light socialising to help make you more comfortable in social situations; which should overall boost your confidence Secondly, dedicate as much spare time as possible to more activities that make you feel confident. It should be like you're making one (or maybe more) small steps of progress everyday. For me, I go to judo 3 times a week, I workout at home and I play guitar. So pretty much every day I make some small accomplishment, even if overall the day went terrible. At the very least, at the end of most days I know i've either got a little better at a throw or ground technique, or performed well in one randori match; gained a few beats per min of speed on a lick or learnt something new on guitar; or managed to do a few more reps than I could the previous time when using my exercise equipment. Generally, even if I get a hard knockback from something or other, those things help me bounce back at least partially; and that helps me maintain confidence.

Also, with jobs and things, try to make a list of manageable tasks for the day even just 'go see the careers advisor, book a meeting and collect leaflets'. or 'do one application form for a job'. This will do your general organisation a favour and remind you that you're making steps towards positive progress.

Also, I'm getting the impression some people you socialise with put you down a lot. Ditch them. Make the most of activity clubs in uni to meet more people who like the same things you do and treat you decently, cos it isn't reasonable to be rude to someone just because they're shy or quiet. Also (kinda obvious, but) try to take care in who you confide personal things to, and if you know someone who always gossips about their other friends, keep their noses out of your business.

Try to take the steps I've outlined above to build your confidence; but if you can, sooner rather than later try to stand up for yourself. In my experience the best way to do this is:

1) Act like their comment hasn't actually upset you, but has left you a little bemused and surprised.

2) Take an opportunity to highlight the hypocracy in the comment in a light hearted manner (most insults I've had from people in my time have been them projecting their inadequacies onto me, so this is usually pretty easy). Or else, calmly make it clear that you're surprised the issue in question is so important to them, and imply you think their attitude is a little childish. Again a fairly light hearted response usually helps here.

Example: I was chatting with a couple of girls in the student bar with a former housemate. He obviously saw me as a threat so tried to emasculate me by saying that I sometimes use an apricot scrub thingy to wash my face and imply it was effeminate. My reply was "Yeah! It's called making an effort (light laughter)!. And anyway, I find that a little rich comming from a guy who walks around campus wearing a headband designed to hold women's hair off their face when they remove their makeup; who genuinely thinks it looks cool!" I won, they didn't care if I used a skin product more commonly used by women, since I didn't; and winning is awesome :p

Hope this helps. Just keep setting yourself specific days and times to start any goal you want to accomplish and you'll make steady progress.
 

alandavidson

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Flying walrus said:
Simple Answer: No.

Storytime...

I tried to kill myself a little while back. I was in a really bad place, wasn't where I wanted to be, was a failing film producer, and was all-around miserable. So I took a bunch of pills and tried to just go to sleep. I wound up in the hospital and it was a mess. Even after all that, I still wanted to die. So I started to look for things that would kill me more quickly than pills (for some reason I really didn't want to shoot myself). Long story short, I found a good combination and had everything prepped.

But.. I had paid for a seminar in a town about three hours away at an acting school. I figured I might as well get my money's worth. So I drove down to the seminar, and it was much, much more than I expected. It was on breaking into the business on the acting side of film, and as I sat there, the instructor said one simple thing that I will never forget:

"You can make it."

I don't know why that resonated with me, but it did. I started thinking about it, and it became very clear that I really could make it as an actor. So I signed up for another class, and another. One thing led to another, and now I'm not only a working actor, but I'm also a film producer and director and I love it. I see the instructor on a regular basis, and he has no idea that he saved my life.

How does this apply to you?

You can make it.

Things will look like shit for a while, but press on. You CAN do this, you CAN get better, you CAN get where you want to go.
 

Vegosiux

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May 18, 2011
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Allow me to answer thusly:

If you die, then it's irrelevant to you whether or not the world is be a better place, so thinking about it is a waste of time.