Hi everyone, I am 21 and about to graduate from university in 1-2 months. There is a lot of chaos in my mind about what I want to do in my life.<p>I have done quite a variety of things in my time at university other than my mainstream and I enjoyed it, and I still do. Right now I am a little confused about what to do next.<p>HN has helped me before and would love to know from y'all about your 20s and what it was like for you. How did your life change based on the decisions(right or wrong) you took, looking back now what do you think about it?
I'd say figure out something you actually like doing - and then try to get paid for doing it.<p>Programming, writing, teaching, whatever... If you're getting paid to do it, then that's 40 hours a week of practice and learning. You'll get even better at it, leading to better jobs and more money. Getting that first job can kick off a whole chain reaction.<p>Some people say first job out of college is important. It sets the area where you'll make contacts, and lays the groundwork for your next job in one specific direction. But I changed careers later -- that's always an option, too. Maybe the moral to all that is: just try something. Make a wish.<p>Dream a dream, then make it come true.
I went in to graduate school by default, which wasn't necessarily a mistake but I didn't need that degree and I didn't particularly enjoy the work. I made and strengthened some friendships there, though- the most valuable result of that time.<p>School is a place to suffer together and make friends.<p>I escaped from various traumas by playing videogames, and only see that clearly now in my 40s after talk therapy, The Blindboy Podcast (talks about mental health as well as art, music, stories), giving up games for long enough to own the decision to play again (mainly as a way to spend time with friends). I say all that to encourage you to examine your actions. If I had been more self-aware earlier, my life would be different. I'm intentionally avoiding judgement here- I'm not saying it would be better. I appreciate that I'm alive and practicing awareness.<p>A book that guides me these days is Why We Need to be Wild, by Jessica Karew Craft. She emphasizes being part of a close group of friends and family. If you don't yet have that kind of mutual support, consider prioritizing it.<p>Lastly, you don't have to do anything but stay alive awhile and reproduce and/or help others learn and grow (not everyone needs to make babies, but I'd say it's reasonable to expect ~everyone to be part of raising children, even if it's practicing love and kindness). The way we have changed the landscape to make our lives so dependent on layers and layers of technology is disheartening to me and might be at the root of aimless feelings. If we restore the land we'll restore ourselves.
But you only started university 4 months ago? <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38752009">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38752009</a>