You're 20, And It's OK That You Don't Have It Figured Out | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

You're 20, And It's OK That You Don't Have It Figured Out

You still have a lot of time.

56
You're 20, And It's OK That You Don't Have It Figured Out
Emily Cymanski

The 20s. What a time to be alive. You'll turn 21, hopefully graduate college, and you could get married and have kids all within the same decade. But pump the breaks. Your 20s should be a time for you to be with yourself and figure out you, for no one other than you.

You're figuring out things like how many packets of sugar to put in your iced tea, or if you can go to Target and back without running out of gas, or if you should go out with the girls or stay in because you have bills to pay at the end of the month. No judgement, because these are my thoughts on the daily.

Every day in my sophomore year I would say, "OK, I really need to get my sh*t together." I'd plan out all this stuff and it wasn't completely successful. But that doesn't mean I won't be. I'm literally 20 years old. I have so much time to figure out the minor details of my life. I go to a great school, I have bangin' friends, the most amazing family and a valuable internship. I still don't have it together, but I'm happy with where I'm at.

We are constantly surrounded by people who need to have the best job. And those girls that need to have a boyfriend, be married, and have kids all within the next 12 minutes. For those people that have the perfect job: congrats, kid. For those girls that found love when they came out of the womb: you rock. But for those who have neither? It's OK. Me neither, but we're having a blast, right?

This past year was a huge learning experience for me. I trusted people that didn't deserve it, I loved people I shouldn't have and I even got a D on a PR exam because I went out the night before. Not a smart idea. Zero out of 10 would not recommend (I still got an A in the class though).

One year later and I'm still learning. Learning about myself, my values, what I want and who I hope to be. You can't expect to have your life together in your 20s if you don't even know who you are and what you want.

Your 20s is a time for growing and spur of the moment decisions -- hopefully better decisions than going out the night before an exam. Spend time with your family (dog included), friends, get out and make new ones, get a job that's out of your comfort zone, spend money on experiences, go on adventures and try new foods. No one is telling you that you have to have the perfect job, living in the perfect house with the perfect man by the age of 25. I hope I have a job I love waking up for, living in a crappy apartment in Chicago, drinking beer at a White Sox game (because the Cubs suck) and surrounded by people that make me the happiest.

The Facebook posts about people being engaged and pregnant are only going to appear more rapidly. Don't be discouraged. Don't be sad. Don't think your life sucks. You still have so much time to figure out yourself. Just make sure you're having fun while figuring it out. Enjoy this time, because it will only be a matter of time before you're wishing you were in your 20s again.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2018
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16699
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3552
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments