Lacking Direction in Life | Twenty-Something Struggles

Lately I’ve been noticing a trend among twenty-something’s. Most of us reach a point where we have no idea what we’re doing with our lives. It’s such a scary place to be at.

As I neared my mid-twenties, I noticed a change in social interactions. Every time I met someone new, the conversation went something like this.

“Hi Brielle, nice to meet you. So what do you do?”

I realized that my career was officially a defining factor in my life. It never felt good to say I work part-time as a cashier at Harris teeter and I’m also a home health aide. The response was always a look of pity. I’d always add in but I have a Bachelors in Biology, although it didn’t seem to really make a difference.

I made close to minimum wage. Yet I was just happy to be on my own, and providing for myself. When I decided to go to nursing school, the college experience was completely different. I was now a 25yr old student. A 25yr old just now finding their way.

I would start my nursing career at 27. I would be among many 22yr olds, who got it right their first time in college. Sometimes it bothered me that it took me so long to settle into a career. I shook that feeling off, and decided to just be happy that I found a career. To top things off I had just married an amazing man. I thought this was the beginning of my new perfect life.

I’ve learned a lot of important lessons in the year that has passed. One of the most important lessons, is to never let your career define you. Finding a career didn’t solve all of my problems. It didn’t make me happier. It didn’t make me better or more important than the next person.

Choose a career that you love. Something that fits your personality and ideals. If you have to find years searching for just what that is, then keep searching. Who cares if other people can’t see your vision and judge you. All that matters is your happiness and success.