Just thinking
I’ve been feeling restless lately. It happens every year around this time – I know for a fact there are at least two similar posts in the archives. This year I’m coming up with a list of things I could have done differently as to not end up chained to a desk for eight hours a day. I could have moved to NYC after high school like I really wanted to, but my parents and a teacher did a good job of talking me out of it. I could have moved after college too. I could have not gotten into a very long relationship that put the idea of moving in and settling down into my brain. And as much as I love my house, I could have not settled down all by myself.
I’m realizing that I set goals for myself that take time to achieve and then keep me wrapped up for years. My goal throughout college was to start a career so I would never have to work retail again. And then I wanted to purchase a house, so I could build equity and have a space that was all my own. I also started an organization that caused me to have obligations for months in advance. Now I stay away from any sort of commitment because I’m already feeling tied down.
I know that there is always time to change my path and do something different. And I have always said I wanted to have many careers throughout my life. Right now I feel very stuck having to come into the office every day to do work I don’t really enjoy. I’m working on a career change, but it will take a year or two before I can leave office life behind.
In the mean time I’m very antsy to drive my little Scion across the country. I feel like it will be a much needed break from the monotony. I’ve been waiting for a partner in crime and to save some cash, but I don’t think either will happen soon enough. I may set out on the expedition alone and just let my credit card take a beating. I’m usually rushing full speed toward a goal, so it would be a challenge to see if I could take a week or two and stop to smell the roses.
So yeah…that’s what I’ve been thinking.
05.27.10 in life
Hey Sarah,
I don’t really have anything to add, but this was a great post.
It’s true that there are always options to change your path. Although the risk averse person in me would say don’t do the credit card debt thing. That’s just another demon that can hold you back from what you really want to achieve.
You’ve obviously been great at achieving the goals you’ve set out for yourself, so the next goal(s) won’t be any different.
Cheers,
Karol
my roomie/bestie thought about taking a road trip this summer, but life keeps getting stuck in our way. sometimes people need an escape; i say go for it. granted, i don’t live with your bank account so i could be full of unfeasible shit :)
Sounds like you are thinking about your life and forming a Life Worth Living List: http://bit.ly/bM9SQh
I believe in thinking about who, what, where, why and how you are every year. Twice if you’re ambitious.
Cute site!
I’m the opposite. I’m STILL trying to get through school, renting a really crappy apartment… about the only thing I’ve done that “ties me down” is getting married – but to me that doesn’t feel like being tied down as I was never much of a dating around kinda girl.
Have fun on your little road trip, it sounds like a good time!
I get this feeling almost weekly, trust me you’re not alone. I thought I could work for myself and it would help me figure out what I want to do when I grow up, but all it’s done is cause me to work 800 times as hard, stress me out and make me crave doing something ridiculously spontaneous like driving across the country or going and living in Ireland for a month (not that I don’t enjoy my job, I do. Most of the time). Except I can’t do any of that because I’m freakin broke from working for myself. haha. I think the feelings we’re having are called the “quarter life crisis,” so maybe we should take advantage of them while they’re here. :)
Oh, and you already know how I feel as far as a career path and non-office work. I think you know better than anyone how I’d feel.
I feel this way a lot, too. I’m getting really antsy to get the heck out of here and do something interesting.
I’m on the other end of the spectrum but I know how you feel. I’m almost 25 and have yet to have held a real job in my field. I graduated. Couldn’t find a job and decided to go back to school for graphic design. It’s hard to go back to the college mind set. I just want a job that I’m comfortable in. I don’t need a lot of money. Just a little security. I’m tired and bored with working all the time to barely make it by. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! You just have to figure out what your light is! =)
I’ve been feeling the same way. I’ve been at the same company for almost 7 years now, held two similar positions for a little over 3 years each. I’m so bored with it and considering going back to school for something completely different. Part of me feels like a failure for not knowing what I wanted to do years ago, and another part of me thinks that I’ve just changed and what I wanted 10 years ago is understandably different from what I want now.
Glad I’m not alone! I agree – I achieved my post-college goals and now I want something different. I think high school grads should take a couple years off to explore instead of jumping straight into college. Most of my friends changed their majors multiple times before deciding on a career. It’s too much pressure!