The Pressure of Your Twenties | June 2021

 The saying 'having your shit together in your twenties' is quite pressuring to say the least. Everyone is at a different stage in their lives. Looking back to who you were in school with, some might have started families, some might still be at University and some might have started their career. The image of success is different for everyone, but there is still a societal standard and expectation. Our parents might have been having children in their early twenties, but in my generation more people are focusing on their careers down to the marketisation of the education system and the increasing presence of feminism in our society for women to be inspired by. Life happens differently for everyone. 

In some ways societal expectations don't always have to be lived up to in this generation. Individualisation is the key method to how we present ourselves, rather than getting caught up within the values and norms of our society. You can be more free in your choices, but at the same time being caught up in the pressure of having it all together can get the better of you. Social Media doesn't help this inclination as you are exposed to all the things that people are doing, and you feel like you're missing out. You beat yourself up mentally for 'choosing the wrong path'. Yet, why should we compare ourselves to other individuals, when we chose our paths for our own personal reasons. Being exposed to others success implores a vision of wanting something we can't have, yet why can't we just be appreciative for what we have and what we have achieved during our time on our own paths. 

I've just recently graduated from University with an Undergraduate Degree, yet at 21 I know I want a break from academia, even to just figure out what I REALLY want to do. Yet still some people around me are questioning why I don't just go and do this and that. I've graduated probably at one of the worst times possible, the Pandemic ruined my third year of studies, but I also gained a lot of experience during the long year of 2020 -2021. Why should we be pressured to figure everything out? The Pandemic has taught everyone that spending quality time with those you love should be the priority for post-Pandemic life. 

Why shouldn't we just live for right now. There's always talk about being present in the moment, but sometimes it's hard to explore that when you're caught up in what you think you should be doing. Other people's perception of you is something that is hard to let go of, but by doing so you'll be a whole lot happier. Your Twenties for some, is the prime age for 'settling down' and becoming independent. But, it's completely fine to want something else for your twenties. Your twenties and every other decade is for you to decide, not to be caught up in what you think you should be doing. Enjoy the moment, and get drawn to what you want to do. 

It's the fear of getting old without making something of yourself. Or is that just me? Going through your twenties without a clue if you're doing the right thing is terrifying. But at the same time each opportunity is vital experience to who you are going to become, and sometimes you don't even expect how important an opportunity will be to you. I hate to come out with the cringe phrase 'everything works out', but I truly believe that it is true. 

'Nothing will ruin your twenties more than thinking you should have your life together already' 

Happy Reading,

Rose x