When I was younger I used to think I'd have it all figured out by the time I was 21, but now I'm nearly 24 and still don't know where exactly my life is heading, and I'm learning that's ok.
I'm usually the girl who always likes to have a solid plan, but since graduating from uni I'm kind of floating with the current, seeing what opportunities I come across.
Since graduating it's been a real rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions. Seeing my friends smashing their career goals is amazing to see, but also makes me feel like I'm falling behind at times. I used to think that after uni I should go straight into a grad job and start my career, but then I figured I've got the rest of my life to build a career.
I'm finding my twenties to really be shaping who I am as a person. Once you're alone you start to think about what you really want in life, and the truth is I don't want a full time career just yet. I have a great work ethic and I know when the time comes I will give it my all, but at least for the next year or so I want to take some time out to figure out who I am as a person. I'm a little bit lost, and I need to find myself.
I've also realised that there is beauty in not having it all figured out. It opens doors for you to do basically whatever you want to do. The top priority on my wish list is saving to do some travelling. I want to see some beautiful places and have amazing stories to tell. I also have the possibility of going on to do a Masters degree this Autumn, and the course I've got my eye on not only sounds super exciting but it also means I'd be giving the city life a go for a year, which would definitely be an adventure having only ever lived in a small town! Sometimes trying something new, and stepping out of your comfort zone, can open a world of opportunities you never thought were possible before. The world is honestly your oyster.
I've figured that your twenties are the time to explore, figure it out. Make mistakes and then make some more. There's too much pressure to be perfect nowadays with the highlight reel that is social media, constantly comparing other's achievements to your own, but the truth is most the time the people who look like they've got it all together are actually winging it just as much as you are.
I'm also learning not to feel like time is slipping away. I'm 23 and I have days where I feel like time is running out to make something of myself, but then I take a step back and remind myself that we are all on different paths and I still have plenty of time. I'm not a failure, I just haven't got to where I need to be yet. Some people go straight into work after uni, only to decide a few years down the line they want a career change and have to start all over again. Some people would rather explore some parts of the world than settle down in a full time job. Some people can't wait to be full time and get a house and start a family. Everyone is different, and it's all about figuring out what you want and what will make you happy.
Because in the end, that's all we really want to be isn't it? Happy.
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