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Aging out of here
TheNightmare
Posts: 2,939 Boards Guru
'm worried and a bit scared of finishing off here. I've spoken about this a few times, but it's been playing on my mind more because this is my last full year here, and I'll have until summer. It's still a bit of time away, but it gets a little bit scary. I probably won't be getting through my job hunting journey without here, and I have a few places supporting me with that. It's not over yet, but there's potentially some options down the line. None are definite, but I'm hoping something is around the corner. I think having the space has cleared my mind and given me motivation because it's only a few taps away on my screen and it's available 24/7. I take things for granted a bit, so I'm really worried about aging out. I used to struggle before being on here and felt alone, and I'm scared I'll be like that again.
I have been out of work recently, which has been tough, but I was once in a similar position years ago where I wasn't in college and not doing much. I felt like everyone was going at me and putting me down often about it, and I didn’t have here. Recently, while being out of work, I’ve had here, which hasn’t been a complete cure to my low moods, but it's definitely been a big help. I really am thankful and appreciate it. But I'm scared I'll be back alone again. I probably will be way into work by the time I age out of here, but I’ll still find it scary. Like everyone, I’ll have bad days. Even if I’m doing well, I'm not going to be 100% happy 24/7, and on bad days, I would have here now, but I won’t after I age out. I think you all have so much patience with me too, and you've all got me through the bad times. I've been able to talk about my interests, like cars, YouTube influencers, and other light-hearted stuff too. Being able to share my goals was great because I got so much encouragement and support on the thread I made about that. I thought back then that I would be able to stay here longer term and share achieving those goals, but sadly not.
I have been out of work recently, which has been tough, but I was once in a similar position years ago where I wasn't in college and not doing much. I felt like everyone was going at me and putting me down often about it, and I didn’t have here. Recently, while being out of work, I’ve had here, which hasn’t been a complete cure to my low moods, but it's definitely been a big help. I really am thankful and appreciate it. But I'm scared I'll be back alone again. I probably will be way into work by the time I age out of here, but I’ll still find it scary. Like everyone, I’ll have bad days. Even if I’m doing well, I'm not going to be 100% happy 24/7, and on bad days, I would have here now, but I won’t after I age out. I think you all have so much patience with me too, and you've all got me through the bad times. I've been able to talk about my interests, like cars, YouTube influencers, and other light-hearted stuff too. Being able to share my goals was great because I got so much encouragement and support on the thread I made about that. I thought back then that I would be able to stay here longer term and share achieving those goals, but sadly not.
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Comments
i dont know if this is 100% accurate, but i dont think its as soon as you turn 25 then the mix want you gone for good type thing - you could maybe talk to the staff team about the ‘end’ of your time here?
i know that it’s not going to be the same, however, mind also have a place like the boards i think - im nearly sure it’s called side by side (im not 100% sure as mind only cover england / wales and i am in ni!) so that could be an option for future support maybe? it’s 18+ so no upper age limit as far as im aware! i know when i was coming to the end of services for children, i started using other places such as the mix when i was around 17 so it gave me time to find my new safe space i guess? i think that definitely helped as whenever i then finished with other services due to my age i wasn’t just like “what do i do now”, like i had already found my new safe space if you get what i mean?
@shannon_164 Thank you so much for your thoughtful and supportive message! I really appreciate your understanding and the suggestions you've shared. It's comforting to know that there are places like Side by Side that don't have an upper age limit, offering a sense of continuity for support.
Unfortunately, I think The Mix is becoming more strict, and it might be a strict cut-off after people turn 25. That adds to my worries about aging out, even though I do have some time left. I’ll definitely consider talking to the staff about the transition and explore other options like you mentioned. It’s reassuring to hear how you found your new safe space early on, and that’s a great strategy I’ll keep in mind. Thanks again for sharing your experience and advice, it really helps.
It feels worth starting this reply off with a hugeee respect to you for opening up like this. Feeling a bit scared and uncertain about what’s next is so valid, especially when something that’s been such a big support, like this space, feels like it’s coming to an end ❤️
I love hearing how much this space has helped you through the tough patches, given you motivation, and been a constant in your life. It’s awesome that you’ve found a place to talk about your interests, get encouragement for your goals, and feel like you’re part of a community.
Bad days happen dude, we all get them. But the good news is, you’ve proven you can handle them. And even if you’re not here in this space forever, the support and tools you’ve picked up along the way are still in your toolkit so to speak. They're always going to be there ready to back you up. Plus, you’ve got those interests and passions - like cars and YouTube influencers - that can keep you connected to other cool communities out there.❤️
So while this might feel like this chapter is ending soon, I see it as the start of another epic one. Keep sharing, dreaming, and reaching out, whether it’s here for now or in other spaces down the road.
Proud of you!
Hey, Maia ❤️. I just want to say a big thank you for your reply. It really means a lot to hear from you and the awesome mods and members in this community. Your support makes a huge difference, and it's one of the things I love most about being here. Getting a reply from you always makes me feel better, and hearing that you’re proud of me means so much. This community has been such a great support for me, and moments like this remind me why it’s so special. I’m really grateful for all the kindness here. It’s reminder that even on tough days, there are amazing people ready to help each other out. Thanks a lot for being part of that and making this space so great. ❤️