As I approach my final days as a university fresher student (well, I certainly felt like a fresher for the full three years!) I find myself sitting up late in bed, worrying, wondering and the worst part… scared. Scared to become an adult.
I always had a vision of how I wanted my life to be, I was going to grow up to be a boy who earned his riches from working hard within a scientific field, owned the biggest house known to man, along with my multiple cars and a premium made stable block along with acres of land, a stone throw away from my back lawn.
The pathetic, materialistic dreams I feel I had as a youngster are slowly starting to fade as I grow up. The reality of it all is that the world does revolve about having the most, or being the best. Sometimes it’s just about getting through the mediocre parts in order to survive in this dog eat dog world. I’m scared, truthfully.
I always saw myself as the pilot of my own life, flying high in the skies but I find myself bringing my plane down to a quick jerky landing, back to reality.
What if things don’t turn out the way I want them to? What if I fall in love with a different career choice than I originally intended? I fear change a lot, many of my friends will know the struggle I got through when change occurs. This change is the biggest struggle yet.
Along with adulthood comes various commitments and considerations. I feel like I need to get myself ready for the bumpy ride ahead, because who knows what’s coming. Am I going to be a full-time blogger who discovers his true talent in writing? Am I going to go off to be something different to I ever expected? Or will I find myself back to where I started in a science based career. I need answers, but I feel like right now only time will give me those answers.
I find myself in a coffee shop in the middle of central London, surrounded by many people with different stories. I sit here in a daze, wondering what their story is? Corporate office workers in suits and ties – surely they didn’t get to where they are without a fight?
Nonetheless, the past three years have been an absolute blast and I feel like I have grown as a person, from a timid young town boy. Time was not wasted, lessons were learnt, friends for life were made and I have an education under my belt too, whilst living in this wonderfully busy capital. Sometimes you have no choice but to grow up, but that’s life.
Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination…
Until next time…
As fun as blogging is, a solid career in science definitely sounds more sensible 🙂
If it helps, I know 50-year olds who still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up!
I think everyone, to a certain degree, goes through this at some point. University is a huge part of your life, but it is just one part, and when it comes to the end it can feel like you’re being let out into the world on your own, and nothing will ever be as great, but this will pass, you’ll go on to great things and you’ll have even more fun along the way! While I was at uni, I struggled with those feelings, and I worried so much about where my career would take me but the most important thing is to be happy in what you do. When I left uni I spent a year and a half volunteering in between job searching, and when I finally landed my role it was in a slightly different sector to where I really wanted to be, but, as a graduate I don’t have a lot of experience, so where I am at the moment is good as I’m learning a lot, gaining experience and honing those skills which uni didn’t give me. In a few years I may want to swap roles and look into going somewhere else but for now, I’m focusing on settling into this role, learning and earning some money to support myself. I’ve talked to a lot of people about this exact thing and no-one has it all sewn up and there are people I know at my own work who still don’t know what they want to do! Just be happy and make sure you enjoy yourself, but I would always day never to give up on your true passions and dreams either because you can make them a reality. Also, enjoy your last few months at uni too – they’re some of the most fun ones and it’s a great achievement Aftab – sorry for the long reply! – Tasha
In my third year of uni, I felt exactly the same way; no idea of what was to become of my life.
There were so many things I wanted to do but I didn’t know how I was to achieve them. How do you go from fresh out of university to an integral part of a company? All whilst trying to figure out if whether you’re actually doing is something you’re truly passionate about.
In hindsight, I had no worries and post university have been the best years of my life. By far.
The reason?
I didn’t want to be another gear in a company, or moan about having to go to work. I also knew that none of my dreams would be achieved if I sat and let life happen. I had to work to make it happen and not a day goes by where I regret any of my decisions, regardless of the turbulent years I had to get to where I am today.
My advice to you is, never stop working hard, trust your gut and follow your passion. Life has a funny way of working itself out but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard work.
It’s alright to be fearful of what is to come but don’t ever let it control your decisions
Tahira x
Two years out of uni and I still feel the same, but it’s completely natural. Working out what is next and what you want to do are part of life’s great challenges!
My main aim was not to return to my home county and to go on a round the world trip. I’m now living at home and still dreaming of that trip… but I’m getting good experience in my job and I know I’ll do the trip someday.