Ask Aunt Cathie: How do you know what you want to do with your life?
Dear Aunt Cathie,
I don’t know what to do with my life. I’m 25, just finished university after taking a year out, and feel like I’m staring down the barrel of nothing. All of my friends have jobs or partners or homes and I’m working in a rubbish job for rubbish pay. I feel ashamed, like I’m letting someone down and ashamed I can’t keep up with my friends. A close friend got engaged recently, which just emphasised how little I have going for me. How do people know what they want to do with their life? And when will things start to work out for me?
From,
Helplessly Unsure
Dear Helplessly Unsure,
It is natural to compare yourself to your friends – everyone does it – but you must remember that everyone is different. No two people live the same life or go about things exactly the same way.
Sit back and take a second to think about the good things in your life. You have just graduated from university – this is a huge achievement and something you should be very proud of. You are obviously surrounded by many friends, meaning you are well liked and not alone. You have a job and I assume a roof over your head, both things which should not be taken for granted, even if it’s not where you want to be forever.
The way you are feeling is very common amongst graduates and you have nothing to be ashamed of. You are young and you have plenty of time to figure out your next step. Don’t rush into anything – this is the best time to be unsure.
Be happy for your friends as this is an exciting time for them. Just remember that your excitement is yet to come.
From,
Aunt Cathie
