I’ve never known the answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“A pediatrician?”
“A singer?”
“A pharmacist?”
“A dancer?”
“A writer?”
“A mom?”
Those were always my top six answers, depending on the day.
I always thought that I’d know the answer to this question by the time that I graduated college, but as it turns out, God has other plans for me.
I still don’t know.
My 24th year is most definitely the year of clarity. I’m figuring out what I’m good at, what I like to do, and what environment suits me best. I’m figuring out who I should spend my time with, who I can trust, and who I can relate to best.
But I don’t have everything figured out — not at all — and I’m finally okay with it. I think a lot of people in this stage of life get told, “figure it out.” The sooner, the better. We may hear this from career counselors, academic advisors, friends, or even family members. But it’s really not that easy.
And besides, what’s the rush?
When I think of this topic, I think of the movie, ‘A Lot Like Love.’ In the movie, Oliver (Ashton Kutcher) tells his brother that he doesn’t want to settle down until he has “all of his ducks in a row,” and his brother reminds him that this is his life. You can’t keep waiting for things to happen. Nothing will ever be perfect. You have to live in the now.
I’ve had a handful of jobs since college graduation. I’m no where near paying off my student loans. I can’t always make up my mind.
But, please — don’t pity me.
I’m not being irresponsible; I’m not wasting my time. I have a job. I pay my bills. I’m figuring it out, one day at a time.
I’ll get all of my ducks in a row someday. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not three months from now, but someday, I will.
Until then, I will be living my life. One imperfect, uncertain, crazy day at a time.
And it’s okay.
Really 
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First and foremost, I understand this completely. Though I’m only about a year out of college, do I know what I want to do? No. Am I not returning to my job here at the school in the fall? No, I’m not. I have absolutely no idea what I really want to do, where I’ll be in 6 months or anything. It scares the heck out of me. What is truly inspiring about this post (like you said) you are living your life one day at a time and enjoying it. It is relieving to see someone else is such a similar situation and know that we aren’t alone!
Yes, it is!
Love this
I am so in the same boat as you are. I am not doing what I thought I’d be doing when I looked on to being an “adult.” I really feel like I’ve never felt like an adult. I just am. Still me, part kid, part grown up.
I hate that our culture puts so much pressure on figuring it all out, like anyone ever does that anyway. I honestly feel like the people who do seem to have it “all figured out” are not any happier because of it anyways.
I’m glad you’re content with where you are. I think we all should be.
It’s always helpful to read a post like this. As someone who has no idea what I want to do with my life (I’m only a junior in college), it’s scary when people ask and I just don’t know. But that’s okay- I don’t need to know right away. Most people don’t end up working with anything they learned in college. I’ll be thinking of this every time the question comes up again. Thanks
I read this post this morning, and it made me feel a lot better about myself. I just graduated in May, and while all of my friends got full time jobs right after college, I did not. I chose teaching as my career (which I wouldn’t change!) but it hasn’t left me with any opportunities. I am thankful that I do get to sub everyday, but hopeful that things will make a turn and I’ll know what I want to do!
There are also multiple people I know that took the first job offered to them, and subsequently quit job hunting, but aren’t happy where they are. Subbing has given me the chance to make sure I love what I do everyday, and that I know what I am getting myself into. This was just the perfect reality check to start my day! Thanks and have a good Tuesday!
You know that I’m right there with you….I guess I haven’t blogged about it, but I’ve told you how I feel the same way–I just don’t know what I want to do. Well, honestly, the only thing I’ve EVER wanted to be was a mom. I still want that, but it’s just not the right time for us, plus that doesn’t help pay that (stupid) student loan debt! Not knowing the future is scary, and not knowing what I’m *supposed to* be doing is frustrating, but I just keep praying about it every day and I’m hoping I figure it out soon!
The first year or so out of college I felt so lost. I really just picked majoring in Public Relations on a whim and had no idea what I truly wanted to do. It took a lot of soul searching, tearful nights and frustration to get where I am today but I finally feel like I have somewhat of a grasp on life. Now to pay those student loans….
I think the journey is what makes life that much better. Not having all the answers, keep pushing yourself to be curious and question. Love this message!
Such a great post! I feel the same way and I think most 20 somethings do too, most just won’t admit it
There is a commercial out right now for AARP that makes me think of this post: http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7d9Y/aarp-first-marathon
It says “not everyone peaks in their 20′s”. It’s so true… I have my whole life ahead to figure it out and 25 is still young. As long as I’m happy along the way, I’m fine with that.
This is perfect. I love everything about what you just, said
Good for you! Better to figure out what you like now rather than spend your life doing a job you hate!
You’ll get there! You’ve got the determination
I’m almost 29 and I still have no clue what I want to be! I’ve been in the same field for 5 years and unfortunately I like it less every year. It’s daunting to think of alternatives, but a little liberating too. I think it’s fine to take time with it.
Amen.
Beautifully written. I’m 29, I have been teaching for 7 years, and as I see the way education is changing New Jersey, I recently decided to take a leap of faith and make a career change. It’s the journey and process that makes life what it is. Embrace it.
Good luck with your career change!
With the economy the way it is, you have every right to take your time to figure out what you’re doing! And hey, high five for having a job and being able to pay your bills in the mean time!
Speaking from the position of an academic advisor, I will tell you that just “figuring it out” is MUCH easier said than done, and some of us do realize and appreciate that!
You will find your way and your path in life (both personally, academically, and in your career) when the time is right. Don’t fret because that absolutely won’t help or make things better! 
Haha, I didn’t mean all academic advisors
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I think so many people feel this way … they just don’t feel comfortable saying it. Way to be honest! Love it!
Thank you!
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This is the first post I’ve read on your blog (saw the link on freeing imperfections) and I can totally identify with you! I am a year out of college, working in the field I majored in and am just now realizing I don’t know what I want to do at all! Its a weird place to be if you are like me and want to have everything figured out all the time and are always thinking about the future. Good luck! (p.s. I’m looking forward to following your blog! Your post really made my day!)
Thank you for reading! Good luck to you, as well!
LOVE this. I can definitely relate! As an almost 28-year-old dancer, I can say that my use of my bachelor’s degree is still questionable, and you just have to take it one year (and day) at a time. Really… what is the rush? Be you. Be happy. It will eventually all fall into place
Very true…some people don’t figure things out until they’re in their 30s and 40s! We’ll be okay
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I am 32 and still do not know what I want to do career wise. I have a GREAT job that I really like and helps pay the bills, but it’s not my dream job. But I don’t worry about it. My husband is going back to school right now and in a few years when he is done, I get to go back to school. THEN I’ll worry about what to do! lol
I like your attitude! I’m glad that you like your job, too, that’s always a good thing
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I can identify with this post whole-heartedly. Every time I talk to my mom on the phone, my biggest complaint is that I can’t be trusted to make long-term decisions because I change my mind about where I want my future to go every 10 minutes. We just need to trust that we’ll get there eventually. Hang in there!
Amen to everything you said here! I’ve just turned 24, and while I have *some* idea of a dream career/identity, it’s still frustratingly subject to change. I’ve decided to go with it, however, and just have fun on the way.
This post just gave me a comforting feel to know that.. I’m not alone!! I’ll be 26 this year, graduated college last May and am still completely unsure of what I want to be when I grow up. It’s funny how I can be both a control freak who plans every moment of each day, while still being completely up in the air about my life decisions. One things for sure.. It’s all in the Lords hands and I’m will eagerly follow!