I can relate to many of the stories, but I think I'm on the process of improving. I'll share that process in hopes that it may help someone else.

I believe the major problem is the commonly held social beliefs surrounding the education institutions. They, especially many parents, expect children to go through this treadmill and come out 'intelligent' and then land a high paying job. That purpose is drilled into children, but when they drop out of that treadmill, they lose their prescribed purpose. For many, and myself, possessing no purpose causes an existential despair that can become depressing. We see others moving along the treadmill happy and successful and we question why we are incapable of the same. We then conjecture that we are defective because we are unable to function according to social expectations.

Ultimately, once we drop out of what society expects of us, we have to develop our own purpose, which is a difficult thing. It requires we explore what's out there and also what's inside us. To explore what's out there means to go and travel, associate with/find people of integrity, read books, or do whatever interests you. And to explore what's in us means resolving any esteem issues through some form of therapy if required, and trying to re-adjust our mental outlook to one that is more in tune to values which are not those of common social delusions. That is, do not be envious of those who are going through the education system without any critical awareness, without thinking for themselves. I feel pity that they would do all that without really learning or developing themselves into self-actualized individuals.

Instead, realize that you're at a very special moment of your life where you can take control of where you go next instead of social influences cramming a purpose down your throat. You are at a point were you need to make some critical self-discovery. You need to find yourself a new purpose. Be thankful that you have the courage to drop away from social expectations and take time out for yourself. To find your purpose, you need to discover where your passions lie and assess those esteem issues, as I mentioned. Then, build from that. It will most likely draw you back to post-secondary education anyways, and once you're back you'll be ready for it with an ambition in mind.