Now that I fall into the thirtysomething category (eek!), I feel like I can be taken a bit more seriously by the twentysomethings than when I was one, too. A few valuable insights and wisdom come along with having lived a decade or so longer. That being said, I’d like to share some valuable insights and wisdom with you NOW!
I’ve been (slowly) reading my way through, “The Defining Decade: Why your twenties matter-and how to make the most of them now.” I came across this book on a coworker’s bookshelf one afternoon. As I was flipping through the book, one passage in particular caught my eye. “Contrary to what we see and hear, reaching your potential isn’t even something that usually happens in your twenties—it happens in your thirties or forties or fifties.” Holy cow! Why hadn’t ANYONE told me that before? Immediately I knew this was a book I would wish I had when I was a twentysomething. And my initial impression has proven to be true so far. This book is divided into three sections: work, love, and the brain and the body. Today I’d like to share some takeaways from the first section.
1. Take time to explore but also commit. Invest in yourself while you’re a twentysomething. By this, I mean that instead of settling for a job as a barista at the local coffee shop, do some work and find yourself a job that will provide a bit more meaning and substance for your résumé. In the book, this résumé substance is referred to as identity capital. Identity capital is a collection of personal assets. Some of these will go on a résumé and others will not. Some will take the form of internships while others will take the form of personal relationships or realizations. So, while it may not be your dream job, it will be more likely to result in positive outcomes. And I’d be willing to bet that it helps you learn more about yourself, your likes and your dislikes. That’s your identity capital! Take the job. Don’t sit around waiting on the perfect job. Take a job that has potential to help you in the future.
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2. Take time to talk to people. Connections are HUGE when it comes to finding a job. HUGE! Craft a powerful elevator pitch that speaks to your strengths and aspirations and use it. Network through LinkedIn and through people you already know. If you come across someone who does something you want to do, reach out to them. Students I share this information with often call it “creepin’ on LinkedIn” but I assure you that everyone does it. I prefer to call it being resourceful! Send an email or a message explaining that you’d like to chat with them about what they do. Keep in mind that one conversation can truly change what you do next. Networking has the power to better your life right now!
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3. Take time to compare yourself to yourself. Theodore Roosevelt once said that “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and you know what? He was right. Typically speaking, social media is a highlight reel. People don’t broadcast their failures, weaknesses and shortcomings for all others to see. They focus on successes and what’s awesome in life. When looking through one highlight reel after another, it’s easy to focus on what we think we should be doing, instead of taking time to think about what our personal goals are. Shoulds tend to be negative and hold us back. Goals are motivations from within in and generally propel us in forward and positive motion. Celebrate your successes and focus on what you have done instead of what you have yet to accomplish.
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4. Take time to think about not winning the lottery. I’m sure you’ve been asked “What would you do if money was no object?” or “What would you do if you won the lottery?” Until reading this book, I don’t think I spent a lot of time thinking about how those questions don’t really get to the heart of figuring out what you want to be when you grow up. While the intentions behind people asking those questions are most likely good, those questions focus more on an ideal or dream world. Ask yourself what you would do to maintain the standard of living you want to have. Ask yourself what you would enjoy doing for years to come. Think about themes that run throughout your life. Are there certain activities you have always found interesting or fulfilling? What makes you feel energized? How do you usually spend your free time? Which clubs and organizations provide meaning to your life? What subjects do you have a passion for? Reframing the way you think about what you might want to do can be helpful in forming a more realistic and tangible approach to move forward.
My final takeaways are these:
- If you haven’t gotten a copy of the book, watch the author’s TED talk.
- Enjoy being a twentysomething! It’s pretty awesome.
Stay chic,
Jessica
Jessica Long is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development in the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) at Wake Forest University. She is a Demon Deacon graduate, and has been empowering collegiettes and Campus Cuties across the state of North Carolina for nine years. She is a firm believer in the power of a good pencil skirt, an aspiring crafter, and has a serious weakness for chocolate chip cookies. Feel free to contact her with comments or questions at longjw@wfu.edu. Get connected with ways to stay fabulous after college by following WFU OPCD on Facebook and Twitter.