Outside of my significant other, her parents and our 3 cats, I don't really have a social circle of my own. Social situations have always been tough for me, mostly because I just don't do too well with conversation, but if there's a lot of noise around me I usually see it as a cue to bolt and find a 'safe place'.
For six years that safe place was the local community college and my homework and classwork. And for the last two, I've tried to find some kind of employment to fill the void. All that seems to have done is bring my anxiety and depression through the roof.
During my second degree I held several internship positions in many areas pertaining to my fields of study from graphic print design to web development, computer repair and digital cartography. I've managed to get a few glowing references from my supervisors at those jobs. I've also done a couple of photo restoration projects from home and the results made the people who asked for them very happy.
I guess you could say I've done a lot of things over the years, but the one thing I can't seem to overcome is the social aspect. I don't connect real well with people and I guess it's because of that I have a harder time finding work than others. And since I don't have the luxury of connections, I remain stagnant at best.
Others have suggested freelancing or starting my own business, but to be honest, the confidence isn't there. That, and the prospect of doing such a thing scares the hell out of me because there's a lot of risk involved and I don't know how taxes work for the self employed. If anyone has any ideas, I'd certainly welcome them.
See you around,
Homer