Had a psychotic episode 3 years into engineering program. Moved back home and worked overnights at 7-Eleven. Spent all of the money on drugs + booze. Had no plans to change, didn't care because of the drugs + meds.
Quit the job and became more or less NEET. Rock bottom was when I interviewed at a coffee chain - the manager asked me "Where do you see yourself in five years?". I literally could not answer and that scared me. Went home and put my phone through the wall - I was so frustrated with myself that I turned down the slam-dunk barista job.
A friend called me up and gave me the opportunity that changed my life. He offered me a dev job at a small startup - I didn't have any work history or portfolio so he could only offer me minimum wage but I could work remotely.
Because of that job I was able to save up enough money to leave home & re-enroll in school, this time in the CS program. Finished the program in 2 years with straight As. Worked at a few startups and now I am consulting with friends and loving life.
I still struggle with addiction and mental illness but I'm in a much better place. I was lucky to have someone reach out to me when I was at my worst.
Quit the job and became more or less NEET. Rock bottom was when I interviewed at a coffee chain - the manager asked me "Where do you see yourself in five years?". I literally could not answer and that scared me. Went home and put my phone through the wall - I was so frustrated with myself that I turned down the slam-dunk barista job.
A friend called me up and gave me the opportunity that changed my life. He offered me a dev job at a small startup - I didn't have any work history or portfolio so he could only offer me minimum wage but I could work remotely.
Because of that job I was able to save up enough money to leave home & re-enroll in school, this time in the CS program. Finished the program in 2 years with straight As. Worked at a few startups and now I am consulting with friends and loving life.
I still struggle with addiction and mental illness but I'm in a much better place. I was lucky to have someone reach out to me when I was at my worst.