My Future Is My Business | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

My Future Is My Business

And so is my plan B.

32
My Future Is My Business
Temple University

It is heartbreaking that a five year old who once dreamed of exploring space and making scientific discovery winds up an adult in a cubicle living only for the two days away from mundanity. Kindergarten teachers tell us to dream big, and so we do. We look around our classroom and see future presidents and movie stars. When we are children we believe that anything is possible because that is what we are told. We have blind faith in our parent’s promises of grandeur. Somehow the magic of possibility dissipates when we age. Goals are to become realistic, easily attainable, and practical; and any ambitious aspirations are met only with the infamous questions, “Do you have a plan B?” or, “You know you won’t make very much money doing that right?”

As someone who would like to be an author or an editor in the future I have been frequently asked both of those things. Doubt and skepticism filling the eyes of the adult who pretends to only be interested in my well-being. As if I am somehow incapable of putting enough thought into my future to know how hard it will be to obtain success. I am well aware of the work it will require to become all that I want to become and achieve all that I want to achieve. As well as the repercussions of my choices. My ultimate goal is not wealth or ease, but happiness. As far as anyone is concerned, my plan B, is refer to plan A. My backup plan is none of anyone’s business, whether I have one or not.

It can be said that this invasive concern stems from a good place, good intentions. People who love us want to make sure we are prepared and whatnot; but all we hopefuls hear is, “be ready to fail, because you are not good enough to succeed.” Your shortcomings are not my shortcomings. Your forgotten dreams are not my future. I am not looking to settle and your lack of faith is disheartening. How can I be expected to pursue all that I have ever wanted if no one ever really believes I will get there?

We give up on our dreams because the people we respect do not have faith in us. And if they do, their actions do not reflect their emotions. How can we be expected to hold on to the hope of greatness and making change if no one really expects us to? Spend enough time working on plan B and it might as well become plan A. Our reluctance to share future plans stems from the judgements of those who believe themselves to be superior to us. They are veterans of life and think themselves wiser than those of us who are just figuring it out. And we believe them, because we have always looked to these people to advise us on our decisions. The words of these people carry more weight than they will ever realize. It is not their job to worry about our futures. Don’t ask for a plan B, just congratulate us on our determination.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

870
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

536
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199593
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20516
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments