COVID's Contribution To A 25-Year Old's Life

For many, the mid-20s is seen as the crucial time to dive headfirst into a career. The prevailing belief is that one must study relentlessly and pursue job opportunities to secure a solid future. When I say "study hard," I mean engaging fully in any educational setting, whether it's school, college, or university. The focus is always on rigorous effort, as higher grades often lead to the best jobs and the most significant career advancements. This mindset has been ingrained in our culture for generations, including among those navigating their mid-20s.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a newfound perspective for many of us. As a 24-year-old approaching 25, I initially felt the pressure to adhere to traditional expectations set by my family and society. Yet, the pandemic fundamentally changed my outlook. It taught me that prioritizing quality over quantity is essential. Rather than getting lost in the numbers game of grades and study hours, I now understand that real success involves balance - valuing both achievement and personal well-being. This shift in perspective is crucial for anyone seeking a meaningful and fulfilling career.

As someone in my mid-20s, I believe that my thoughts shape my growth. I strive to be more productive and prioritize action over spending hours reading with a book open in front of me. During my journey, I've explored various interests and discovered my passion. While pursuing my degrees, I generated different ideas to establish myself in a unique way. I realize that spending 8–12 hours a day in a cubicle may fill my bank account, but it can drain the joy out of life.

It's not that I'm entirely opposed to having a job; I want to work, but I also want to explore my interests. After spending the last few years diving into various experiences, here are a few goals I have for the future:

• First, I aim to find a suitable job that aligns with my degree. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree, and my parents have invested a significant amount in my education. I want to secure a job that makes both them and me feel that I didn't waste two decades pressuring myself.

• I have discovered my passion for writing, which currently serves as one of my income streams. However, I also want to explore additional income sources in the future, such as investing in the stock market or starting my own podcast.

• One of my top priorities is to avoid feeling overwhelmed or getting lost in the hustle of life. It's essential for me to make time for myself, go on trips, enjoy experiences, and spend quality time with loved ones. Even activities like reading a book or watching a new web series count.

• I want to walk, run, and embrace failures without stopping. I strongly reject the conventional path of studying until 24, searching for jobs at 25, marrying at 28, retiring at 60, and then waiting for the end of life to come.

In today's world, many people can be hot-headed and tend to make rash decisions, which often harms their chances of securing a job or affects their studies. However, when I reflect on myself, I see a calm and composed individual. It's crucial to approach situations rationally, as this mindset is a significant advantage for our generation. We are willing to confront our mental challenges without overreacting. When we think, we consider the broader impact on everyone around us. I believe that COVID-19 has played a significant role in shifting people's perspectives. A broader viewpoint provides us with more insights about our surroundings.