Navigating Your Twenties

As I have entered my twenty-second year of life, there are many dilemmas I have faced: an overwhelming sense of freedom, yet feeling like I have no control. This is the time I have to figure things out – a career, travelling, finances, and moving home from university. All of these elements of my life came crashing towards me all at once. But maybe having it all figured out is a myth.

I am now legally an adult, so I should have it all planned out – right? I believe that most people in their twenties feel the same as I do. Some days I feel strange and conflicted about what I want to do in life, and then the next I feel settled in my job, living paycheque to paycheque. I am still waiting for that feeling of accomplishment, but maybe that is something I will feel when I have completed everything I want to do.

However, that might not be possible. There is no way I can travel the world, save for a house, live in another country, pursue my dream career, and write a book – can I? The future is terrifyingly uncertain, and navigating your way through being a young adult is hard.

One minute I am texting my mum asking how to work the washing machine, and the next I am doing a skydive and browsing houses for sale online. During this phase of life, our relationships, careers, and finances all chop and change. So, let's delve into this more...

I graduated from university with an English degree in 2024, and two months later started my new job in editorial. This year has possibly been my most confusing yet. I have colleagues telling me to go travelling and live my life to the fullest, and I have other influences telling me I should start saving for a house and build up my credit score. How am I meant to decide what to do? I am not used to having to make my own decisions.

When I was at university, life seemed so simple. I lived with my friends, went to my lectures, went on holidays in summer – I enjoyed every second of my youth. I reminisce about the memories I made at university while I sit at my desk at work, editing legislation and interviewing MPs. I am grateful for my job and the opportunities it has given me, but I crave the feeling of not having responsibilities, and cooking dinner with friends in my little university house.

One thing I find the hardest about finishing university is fitting in the time to see my housemates, who became my family during those three years. We all have our own lives and careers now. We are all busy. I have to convince myself this is all part of growing up and that I need to accept things have changed – but that is hard...

I also want to travel and see the world, but wonder if the financial hindrance of this is worth it. Of course it is worth it, but when I come home and have to find a job, I know the stress will consume me.

When I graduated in July, I spent six weeks exploring Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali. This gave me a taster of the travelling experience. I loved the thrill of travelling and the adventures I had during this time. However, I also love the comfort of my own bed, walking my dog, and spending time with my family. The simplicity of this life fulfils me. I do not know yet if I am brave enough to travel for a long period of time, but I will never know if I do not try.

Friendships in your twenties can get complicated and start to shift. I need to come to terms with the fact that we as humans grow at different rates. Some friends move away, others are having babies, and some no longer serve you. I would describe myself as someone who is heavily invested in their friendships, therefore moving on can sometimes be difficult. I am sure this is something most people can resonate with. If there is anything I have learnt about my friendships as I have entered adulthood, it is to surround yourself with like-minded friends who inspire, support, and better you as a human.

At this stage, people come and go from your life, but we need to learn to communicate more about our feelings and realise we are all at different stages of life, despite being of a similar age.

My career goals have mostly stayed the same. I love writing – hence the reason for this blog. I have always wanted to work in the film industry, as I love the emotion a good film generates. I also dream about becoming an author, writing my own fantasy novel or maybe a thriller. This is one thing in life I am certain about, and I am grateful it is one less thing to be confused about.

But there is reason to stress. How am I meant to reach this career goal when there are thousands of other candidates in the same position as me? I am so career-driven, perhaps that is why travelling scares me. However, I am more scared about pursuing a career that I am not passionate about. That is why I feel lucky to have started a job where I can use my degree.

As I come to a conclusion about the anxieties I have faced thus far in my twenties, there is also a lot of excitement. The fact that I have so many options and passions – I need to view my opportunities as a blessing rather than a stressful hindrance.

I hope to spread more knowledge as I learn many more life lessons navigating adulthood, but for now, I am content taking each day as it comes.