You graduated at the top of your college class, accepted a job with a great company and moved to a new city to start the next phase of your life. Yet, now you feel as if something might be missing.
It’s not that you don’t love your work, or friends or even your new surroundings, you just feel as if you’re stuck in a rut and in need of a change. It could simply be that you haven’t found your niche, but, then again, part of you can’t ignore that little voice in the back of your head saying you made a mistake—you pursued the wrong path.
You think back to your time at school and remember how you almost changed your major, but didn’t for fear of delaying your graduation. You’re doing accounting for a large firm in the city, but can’t stop wondering “what could have been” had you switched to that environmental degree— gone that different direction.
Before your mind races out of control, it’s important to STOP and realize you have options.
Do Some Soul Searching
I know it may sound cliché, but it’s important to always set aside some “me” time to reflect on the general state of your life. If you don’t give yourself the chance to do this, you risk losing sight of the big picture and why you’re doing what it is you’re doing. That is exactly what you DON’T want to happen to you.
Luckily, this can be easily remedied by simply taking time each week (or, better yet, each day) to assess the recent occurrences and what they mean to you. It can be as simple as sitting in silence for a few minutes, taking a quick run or even writing a few lines in a journal. It will keep you from making rash decisions, irrationally freaking out and becoming listless. It will put things in perspective and will also keep you honest with yourself about what you’re doing to get where you want to go.
Hit the Books
So, you’ve meditated, asked yourself the tough questions and decided you might want to go back to school—maybe not for a completely new degree, but at least to take a couple of classes to keep yourself current. Luckily, we live in an age where this is easier than ever before. There are countless options ranging from night classes to online programs. Do some research to determine which program will work best with your learning style and schedule. Before you enroll, it’s important to consider two things.
First, be honest with yourself about what type of course load you can handle. Online courses, although convenient and varying, take a great deal of self-discipline and dedication, some people love them, some hate them. The other thing to consider is accreditation. This is not so important if you are merely looking to develop yourself professionally and learn something new, but, if you are going to use these courses as building blocks for future education, you should make certain you take them through a reputable, accredited institution.
Remember, Nothing is Set in Stone
As you embark on this new venture, it’s important to remember that life is an ever-changing adventure that requires flexibility and adaptability to roll with its punches. Nothing is finite or guaranteed, and you definitely don’t have to have all the answers now. Just do what you can to enjoy and appreciate the journey.
Are you wondering what’s next in your life? What are you doing to make a change?
