Modern society has conditioned us to be on the move nearly at all times. We must learn quickly, eat quickly, and have fun- quickly. Apparently, the ultimate goal seems to be to attain a degree and secure not a job, but a career. With an ever-shifting global economy and societal norms, it is difficult to make split decisions that benefit you just as much as enormous decisions (like choosing a college or career path). There is pressure put upon both to accumulate the most benefits for you and the world; it can often feel as though there is no room for hesitation or error.
I would like to break this stigma and tell you that all of the above is not true. Well, not always. While we may be at our most advanced point in technology, science, and the arts, the staggering amount of individuals hoping to add more contributions are pressured by capitalistic competition, which limits our intellectual capacity. We allowed ourselves to be pushed and cornered by authorities and guardians towards a tiring, paved road to “success”. They may mean well or fear the shrinking line between middle and lower class, but spending twelve years in medical school is twelve years off your clock, not your parents or your colleagues. (If that’s your interest anyway, great!). Either way it’s improbable to demand we all work and study at the same pace under the same influence to ‘be on top’, because then we all topple.
The quality of what you learn in life is often more valuable than what you’re learning it for. Maybe you have a mixed bag of talents and skills, and your path is currently being made- by you! The system is more flexible than ever in the era of neo-entrepreneurship and waiting for offers to come isn’t necessary anymore. With that said, your attributions to society are only as advantageous as your commitment, so they don’t always have to be seen by the world.
Regardless of how long it takes to establish your goal, your ability to achieve it relies on your plan. People should not be ashamed if they do not know where they want to go for school, let alone if they even want to. It may not happen in one singular instance when someone decides what they want to do or what environment they work best in. Community college is no lesser than a four year university, and a “white-collar” job is no less than any higher education. Of course we must consider financial stability and hindsight perspective, but we should be less afraid of such things. If we do feel apprehensive for the future, it is a prompt for discussion in our community and amongst one another. You should never be afraid to make a choice for yourself, no matter how big or small.
Tips on This:
Decisions should involve reflection and consideration for yourself first:
Will I be happy with this choice?
Am I trying to satisfy someone else?
What will I miss out on if I don’t decide this?
How long will this affect me?
written by Zoe Nellum