Measuring success in life is hard when there is no distinct unit of measure. As college students, the pressure of securing a well-paying job and the career you dream of is constantly weighing on your shoulders … because what else are you getting a degree for?
A Continuous Countdown
We work tirelessly for a minimum of four years straight in hopes of coming out with a path to make a living. Through the span of these college years, we increasingly accept that our lives will consist of working on the weekdays and waiting for the weekend. We soon join all the other adults on the continuous loop of counting. We calculate the money in our bank account. We tally the vacation days. We countdown until the impending stress lessens for a few days. All this just to start the endless cycle of counting all over again. Aren’t your fingers tired?
“Don’t get too busy making a living you forget to make a life.”
– Dolly Parton
Now, when VALLEY quotes this we do not mean disregard work completely. We still believe in working hard and challenging yourself with what you do. However, do not let this grind consume you. It is so cliché we almost don’t want to say it, but we have to … there is more to life than work.
Where Would You Go?
When considering what you want to do with the rest of your life, if possible, do not just factor in where you will succeed. Your life is made up of so many different aspects. Find where you will be happiest. Do you want to live in a city? Chase your dream job there. Would you love to spend your evenings hiking? Follow the path to put yourself in that area.
Picture your dream life. We doubt most of you are thinking about tireless day in the office and coming home just to go to sleep and do it over again. Maybe you would love to wake up in the mornings and surf. Or spend your weekends checking out flea markets and roaming around art galleries. Even being in a location surrounded by a variety of restaurants. We challenge you to ask yourself … what are your other interests outside of your major?
Start Crafting!
There is a possibility you don’t have an answer. Maybe you have never thought to ask yourself this. Oftentimes we think to go for the job and the life will follow. However, when given the opportunity, consider the life first as well.
For our readers currently pursuing a degree, you have the chance to create the life you want. It might not come right away, of course, but considering these things when thinking about your future plans can help make it a reality. It can seem challenging to not be hyper focused on your career, and you do not have to lose that focus. Simply, consider other factors too. These four years are not only for finding your career, but it is also time to find yourself. There is rarely another time when you can be this selfish and have the means to explore so many interests and lifestyles. Take advantage of it and find a way to craft your dream life.
Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, with pictures of you finding your ideal life!
