Do you ever read through something and realize that you're not making any sense at all? When I first started writing this post I thought I had a clear idea of what I wanted to talk about but then one thing lead to another, which lead to me somehow talking about my grandma. Long story short, I had to reorganize my thoughts so other people outside of myself could understand what I was trying to say.
Recently I've started to do a lot more planning, which is unusual for me because I've never been a good planner. It refreshing to actually sit and write down all the goals I want to accomplish, set a timeline and figure what steps need to be taken to reach those said goals.
This change in mentality has been a slow process which came about once I realized the way I was going about things wasn't working. Ever since graduation I've put a lot of pressure on myself to find a full-time job because that's what is expected of you once you're handed a diploma. It seems to be the only question on everyone's mind. But the only plans I had were to pack up and move back home, even though in my mind I had deemed this as a failure because by this age I was suppose to have my life figured out, not retreat back to home base.
Only in the past few months, I've noticed a change in the way I look at being "employed". At some point I stopped putting unnecessary pressure on myself to find a "full-time" job. I was so determined to move out and be on my own. But at what cost? If I took a job where I was miserable and only there for the money, would I even enjoy living on my own?
So in the beginning of the new year I stopped focusing on what I "should" be doing and targeted my energies on the jobs I have now. I started to have more faith in myself and my abilities and it's definitely paid off tenfold. Seriously, this is the happiest I've been since I can remember. But it's only because I've realized money shouldn't be the priority. Yes, it's extremely important to live but it shouldn't be the driving force in your life.
This doesn't mean I've pushed "adult" responsibility out the window. I still do what's necessary to be a functioning adult -- like pay my taxes and pay rent (at my parents house because yes we've reached that point). What I'm trying to say is that I've put less pressure on myself to follow societal norms.
"You have to get a full-time job, an apartment and pay your own cell phone bill straight out of college."
Well no, not exactly. What about finding things you're passionate about? Like I've talked about before I tend to do a lot of freelance-based work. Does it make me insane amounts of money? No not all. It does, however, allow me to do things that I'm genuinely interested in. Plus, I really enjoy the people I work with which I think is a big part of being happy at your job.
How do I know this is right for me? Because I don't feel limited. I'm able to dip my toes in all different types of areas that interest me. I'm been able to create pieces of work I'm proud of and give back to the world in a creative way.
So as of right now, I'm content with not having it all figured out. I'm enjoying where I'm at and the people around me.
Anyone else in the same boat? I'm sure there was some sort of takeaway if not I just took away four minutes from your day. Whooops!