If you’re anything like me, questions about your future make you want to cry. I despised the “So, what’s your plan?” question following my high school graduation. With most my friends knowing exactly what major they were pursuing straight out of high school, I felt the need to pick something and pick something quick. I felt for sure that by the time I turned 21 I would know what I would be doing for the rest of my life. However, by age 21 I have tried social work, psychology, and currently cosmetology school and I still feel like I don’t know where my life is heading.
So for those of you who are having trouble finding your calling, I’ve made a list of the best life lessons I have learned on my journey to find my path. I hope they help!
1. Don't Rush Into Anything You Aren't Sure About
Here's something you don't hear a lot of as a high school graduate: It is OK to be uncertain. Maybe your friends all know exactly what they do. Or maybe you're feeling pressure from someone to pursue a career path you don't feel comfortable with. Whatever the case may be, make sure any choice you make is based on what you want, not on what others are doing or expecting.
2. Be Confident With Your Choices
The most important piece of advice I wish I could go back and give to my younger self would be this. I can't count how many times I've chosen not to go after something I wanted because I felt I wouldn't be good enough for it. You never know if you're good at something until you try. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams; dive right in!
3. You Aren't "Destined" To Do Anything
There seems to be this misconception that most people just wake up one day and know what they're supposed to do with their lives. While it might be true that some people know what they want earlier than others, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're destined for that career path. The truth is, there isn't a predetermined plan mapped out in the stars that says what you're going to do with your life. We make our own destiny and we don't do that by sitting around waiting for it to fall into our laps. Take action; pay attention to your hobbies. Look for jobs that require any skills and interests you have. Find something you love to and roll with it. You may not know what you want yet, but with a little hard work and research, you will.
4. Find Something You're Passionate About.. Even If It Won't Make You Rich
If you happen to find a career path that you're passionate about and makes you rich, that's great! Unfortunately, however, it doesn't always work like that. One of the most heartbreaking things to hear is that it's frivolous to pursue a career path you love because it won't make you a great deal of money. I know that this is a cliche and you've probably heard it a million times, but money does not in fact make you happy. More importantly, spending thousands of dollars on college classes for a career that makes you miserable is most definitely not going to make you happy. Trust me on this.
5. Who You Are Is More Important Than What You Are
This bit of excellent advice comes courtesy of my father. Maybe you're working towards becoming a movie star and have known that this is what you've always wanted since you were in diapers. Or maybe after you graduated high school you decided that college wasn't your thing and found a factory job that supports you and your quiet life in your hometown. Both of these paths are just fine! No matter what you decide to do with your life, the most important thing is that you are a good person. To be kindhearted, compassionate, thoughtful and happy is what really makes you a successful person.
