This December, I will officially be a college graduate. Four years ago, I could only vaguely imagine where I might be as a postgrad. My first two years of college mainly consisted of wondering which professors I’d have, which classes I’d take, and what I’d do to earn some income. I anticipated that there would be a time when I would have to begin searching for a “real” job, but my thoughts about the job hunt were very detached from reality. The 2015-2016 school year came with one big reality check. My sister started her first job as a teacher, several of my friends went into the medical field, and many other friends of mine took entry-level positions but were very happy. And then, there’s me.
I guess there’s no better way to describe me other than a driven, nerdy girl with lots of hobbies and interests. My ever-changing goals have become an ongoing joke with my friends and family. It’s obvious that I’m all over the place.
If I had acknowledged that last year, my anxiety would have kicked in full swing. But this time around, I am not anxious at all when I say that I am still unsure of where I’ll be within the next five years. The reason why I am not in a rush to figure it out is because I know all too well that life is too short to settle. And the reality is that at this point, I am not so much concerned about finding a job as I am about finding a job that I actually like and that makes me happy.
When I think about a career, it’s really important to me that I’m doing something impactful, that I truly enjoy what I’m doing, and that I am not working my life away. I used to take pride in thinking that someday I’d probably be a workaholic, but now after watching my grandma begin to age, seeing young people pass away, and thinking about my own health issues, I’ve promised myself that I will not take an office job that overworks and underpays, nor will I work for a company without a mission that aligns with my values.
My mission for happiness consists of working for a company with a positive purpose that makes me happy, maintaining my hobbies, and most importantly, living my life to the fullest and making memories. I don’t want to ever feel restricted by my career.
What I am trying to say is that no amount of money is going to buy you happiness that lasts a lifetime. Of course, I realize that we need money to support our families, to travel, and to participate in most of the activities that bring us joy. I am not saying that we should all be hippies and backpack through Europe instead of getting an education and working hard— I am a firm believer in working hard, and I am not even quite sure that I will be able to abide by my own advice. I have struggled with perfectionism for a very long time, so writing about my mission for happiness is my way of encouraging myself to always remember how important it is to do what I love and love what I do.
If you’re reading this, do not settle for a mediocre career that bores the heck out of you or feel guilty about taking a gap year to travel. And definitely do not question yourself if you think you want to go back to school and start fresh.
This is your life, and you need to take the reigns and steer them in whichever way brings your life the most meaning.
