閱讀識字 English Reading Made Easy

Dear Amy: I'm almost 25, and over the last few weeks I have found myself at a fork in the road with bad GPS.

I have many friends pushing in many directions, the very limited support of my family, and unemployment. I also have mixed feelings about everything.

On one hand, I could go to college.

In the past, this wasn't a priority for me. I valued education, but I've never fit in well in a classroom setting. I catch on quickly, get bored and lose interest in finishing whatever task I have in front of me.

I can't deny that school could be great for me, but I just worry about my ability to stay with it. Or I could leave the relative comfort of home and see what the world has to offer.

Part of me (perhaps the dreamer) has always liked this idea. However, I have a lack of resources to do it, and the well-learned terror of doing it without those resources. Or I could stay the course and find another job that will pay the bills while I spend my free time on the small joys.

This is a plan I stuck with for a long time before a string of bad luck halted it. This leaves me where I am today. I'm tired of hearing people tell me what to do, yet desperate for advice.

-- Paula From Detroit

Dear Paula: Let me suggest yet another route.

Find another job to pay the bills. I suggest trying to get a job in a busy restaurant, where the pace of the work will prevent you from getting bored or overthinking things. Also choose a class or two to take at your local community college. Your goal should be to complete your schooling successfully, in manageable portions.

You should also get an evaluation to see if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Mine is an armchair opinion, but your issues and challenges are consistent with somebody who has ADHD.

If you have it, a diagnosis and counseling will help you understand your challenges and work with them. If you don't have it, learning about this disorder will help you gain insight into your own impulses and behavior.

And yes -- continue to appreciate life's small joys. Your life's GPS might be a little faulty right now, but enjoying the little things will help while you search for your "true north."