As a History student, I have never had a particular job in mind: my future career path has always been hazy. All I know is that I love the subject, period. But for many people, they just can’t seem to get their head around the fact that I may not have the rest of my life planned out. But that is okay!
When I finished my undergraduate degree in English Literature and History back in 2018, I had no clue where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do, so I decided to take a year out to clear my head. Fair to say there wasn’t much clearing to do when I came back a year later to study History again (shock). Now, with two months left of my master’s degree, and COVID having thrown a spanner in the works, it’s fair to say I was panicking a little (or should I say freaking out!).
I had a million and one questions spiralling out of control in my head, where would I go, what would I do, where would I live, and the more I thought about it the worse it became. But then it dawned on me, life isn’t a linear experience, it doesn’t matter how I get there or how long it takes, but that I do and that I enjoy the journey.
When everything seems to be moving at a hundred miles per hour, and there doesn’t seem to be any security in your life (or your future for that matter) it can be difficult to change your mindset; to look at the positives. Changing your outlook on life is so crucial to re-gaining control and starting to truly live again.
Something that COVID has taught me is that looking too far into the future can actually do more harm than good. I mean, who really knows when normality will flop, and a pandemic will be handed to you on a plate for dinner? Focusing on the present really does help calm the nerves, forcing us to stop and think rather than rushing forward on auto pilot.
Making the decision to move back home last week was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. Coming back to my childhood town, back to some normality, calmed my nerves and made me grateful for what I have. Taking the pressure off life (even just for a little while) and accepting that the universe has a bigger plan for me has made the world of difference. No longer am I stressing day in day out, but I am finally enjoying the life I am living. I am enjoying my degree, my new hobbies, and the calmer state of things. I may not have my dream job lined up just yet, but that is okay. I am looking forward to the journey just as much as the destination.
My top tips for grads and soon to be grads:
- Find your own space to breathe and think
- Don’t rush into anything, there is always a job out there for you it just might not be available yet
- Focus on the present, not the future
- Fear is only harmful if you let it be, always look on the positive side of things
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