When I was finishing my final year at university, it felt like everyone around me had a solid plan for life after graduation except me. While most of my peers secured jobs before they tossed their caps, I was hesitant to even think about it. With a major in mathematics and philosophy, I had choices—finance and education stood out—but none sparked my enthusiasm. Philosophy, unfortunately, didn’t offer much in terms of employability.
In hindsight, I realize I was mistaken in believing that everyone else had it all figured out. Many of those who appeared to know their paths are now expressing dissatisfaction with their jobs. Yes, a handful of individuals might have their sights set on becoming doctors or lawyers from a young age, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. Countless people, even into their 40s, still grapple with the question of what to do with their lives, let alone fresh graduates in their early 20s.
I was recently invited back to my university to share my experiences of graduating without a set plan. Since then, I’ve ventured into finance, helped establish and manage a nonprofit, and am currently pursuing a doctorate in Behavioral Science, all while writing for various platforms. Reflecting on my journey, here are five key lessons I’ve learned.
1. Feeling Lost is Completely Normal
As children, we often ask them what they want to be when they grow up, but we don’t really take their whimsical aspirations seriously. Yet, when they reach college, there’s an unspoken expectation to pick a career path and stick to it. This pressure can be overwhelming, especially for those who have never held a full-time job. Research indicates that fears surrounding graduate employment are significant contributors to mental health struggles among students. By acknowledging that it’s okay to be uncertain, we can alleviate some of that pressure and prevent hasty decisions that don’t align with one’s true interests.
2. Career Choices Are Not Just One Big Decision
The societal narrative often frames career selection as a monumental, one-time decision that sets the course for the rest of your life. I find it more productive to view my career as a series of smaller choices rather than a single, irreversible commitment. Upon graduating, focus on what you will do in the upcoming months or years, rather than trying to determine your lifelong path. Some choices will naturally lead to deeper commitments, but if you’re uncertain, it makes sense to explore various opportunities that keep your options open.
3. You Can’t Predict What You’ll Enjoy Until You Try
After I graduated, I applied for a nanny job in London, mostly for the pay and flexibility, even if it wasn’t my dream role. I didn’t get the position, but the family’s father offered me an internship at his corporate finance firm instead. Initially skeptical about enjoying finance, I decided to accept the offer, thinking it might provide valuable experience. To my surprise, I found the work more engaging than I anticipated. Conversely, while pursuing my PhD—something I thought I’d love—I discovered aspects like the lack of structure and feedback that I hadn’t considered. This illustrates that our perceptions of jobs can often be misleading until we dive in and experience them.
4. Your Early Career Should Be About Exploration and Skill-Building
Many people take years, if not decades, to discover what truly satisfies them professionally. However, you can accelerate this learning curve by experimenting with a variety of roles. You may not enjoy your first job, and that’s perfectly okay. Engaging in different jobs or internships allows you to clarify what you value in a career and where your strengths lie. If you’re unsure about your path, consider spending a year or two in short-term positions across diverse industries to gather insights about your preferences.
5. Don’t Limit Yourself to Conventional Career Paths
A friend of mine, who graduated around the same time, found traditional career routes unappealing and decided to write a book on popular statistics instead. The success of his book allowed him to travel and work on various projects, ultimately leading him to start his own business. The takeaway here isn’t to rush into writing a book if you’re uncertain; rather, it’s a reminder that you don’t have to conform to typical career expectations. There are countless ways to earn a living that don’t consume all your time—such as tutoring or freelancing. If you can secure a sustainable income, you’ll have the freedom to pursue your true passions, whether that’s learning new skills or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.
In summary, your 20s should be viewed as a period of exploration: learn about yourself, discover the world, and acquire new skills. Give yourself time before expecting to have all the answers or a defined career path.
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Keyphrase: Career Insights for Young Adults
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