Ask HN - Ever feel useless? How to get over it?

[feeling_useless]

If the topic is irrelevant, then feel free to downvote, I'll delete it.

I've been feeling pretty useless, for a few months now. I have a job that I like and good in, I help my company make money, I don't leach from society etc etc. But deep down, I know I am probably not adding much value to the society (except helping some corp make money, which I'm not sure is anything to be proud of). There is absolutely no meaning in the work I do, and office gossip just depresses me a bit too much. I can't leave that easily (visa status, family situation etc etc). I'm ashamed to say that thoughts of suicide have crossed my head a few times. I do some volunteering work, give money to charity etc, but all of those seem to be very small, insignificant, just 'feel good' stuff.

Anyone in similar situations got over it? Any advice?

[anoved]

Nobody's useless. It's easy to get wrapped up in the impression that we are defined by our jobs (especially around this site), but we aren't. I have had some unrewarding jobs myself, with little big-picture purpose and no easy way out, but the solution is to find (and make) value in other activities. Cultivate a hobby or an art or a programming side project that is important to you. Even the small "feel good" activities you mention are not insignificant if they impact someone else - and if you choose activities that are more interesting to you I suspect you will find them to be more satisfying.

[feeling_useless]

your projects look interesting, thank you for sharing

[hodder]

What do you do?

Sometimes I get bummed out over work. As others suggested, if you don't love what you do, don't let that define you. You have a family, and hobbies outside of work. Think of your work as paying the bills for these.

Additionally, potentially look for a new job that is more interesting. No downside in looking/ applying right?

[AznHisoka]

I suggest reading Victor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. Sounds like you just need to reframe your current life in a way that gives you meaning.

[AznHisoka]

your projects look interesting, thanks for sharing