So what exactly IS my 5-year plan? Welp. I’ll let you know when I have one! My 5-year plan, or lack thereof rather, is something that’s being cultivated into the minds of young adults to make sure their future is adequately planned for. At least that’s what I assume, because the idea doesn’t sit so well with me.
I don’t even know where I’ll be next month, let alone 5-years from now! I’m all about planning, setting goals, and ensuring that you have options ahead of you so you’re not stuck between a rock, a hard place, and Kansa weather ha.
So, I’m not going to tell you why you shouldn’t have a 5-year plan, because I’m all for it and encourage college graduates, especially, to have one. I WILL, however, tell you why I don’t have one and why I will never put that kind of pressure on myself.
So much of my life has been a ball of opportunity and randomness ricocheting in a room of faith, luck, and risks. I’ve never once claimed to have life figured out. I’m as unstable as they get, honestly. I’ll have an idea of what I want to do with life one minute, and it’s completely changed by the next. With the 72-tab browser my mind operates on, it’s a bit chaotic up there.
While being 23 is arguably and relatively young for someone with a whole life ahead of her, I’ve found that the greatest opportunities and biggest adventures come to those who mix a little bit of fear with faith in the unknown.
If you told me 5 years ago that I’d be living and working abroad in a castle with the opportunity to see the world, I’d ask for some of whatever you were drinking laugh.
I’m constantly meeting new people and seeking new opportunities, that a 5-year plan would only feel constricting to me. Once you’ve crossed the pond and have had just a slight taste of how big and amazing this world is, it’d be silly to want to settle for anything less than a life full of adventure.
Life is too short and my imagination is too big to limit myself to a one-track-minded lifestyle. I’ve become so addicted to the thrill of meeting new people in unfamiliar territory, discovering historical ties, and making cultural exchanges with people who I’ve never seen outside of international news broadcast networks.
So if you ask me where I’ll be in 5 years, you’ll find out exactly when I do -- 5 years from now. I know that I want to be successful and happy, but I’m not going to limit the ways and avenues I can get there. Outside of the internet, there are so many resources available to fund your travels and explore a life outside of the one you’re accustomed to.
I’ve worked my whole life to put myself in a position to be successful, why would I let the corporate world marginalize that? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I think it’s both exciting and terrifying to live life embracing whatever comes your way. I want to get from A to B, but if I have to algebraically incorporate numbers and equations to get there, I’m okay with that! It’s okay to let 1+1 equal 11. Especially when you suck at math to begin with, lol.
At the moment, I couldn’t be happier. I have amazing co-workers, incredible flexibility, and some pretty sweet traveling perks. Although the end of this contract is within sight, I’ve already made some great connections and have networked enough to feel confident in the next journey I’ll be embarking on.
I have a bit of shamelessness when it comes to professing my ignorance in an area in order to attain the knowledge needed to propel me to the next level. There is nothing wrong with not having all the answers. I hope to NEVER have all the answers to be honest. By maintaining a student-mentality and constantly on a journey to learn more is what will keep life exciting for me.
If you’re in college, a recent graduate, or heck, twice my age, there IS still time to make something more of your life. I can’t speak for everyone who’s traveled abroad, but I will say that if you do it right, it’ll spark and light a fire in you that you never thought was flammable. Every time I get an opportunity to travel to unknown territory, I promise you I’m the kid in the candy store, toy factory, and amusement park, all at once.
So if your 5-year plan stresses you out as it is, try not having one at all. The liberation, anxiety, and thrill is enough to fuel the energy you’ll need to be guided in the right direction. Trust your intuition and always be open to new experiences. The worst that can come from it all is a lesson. And even THEN, one can argue that’s an invaluable assest.
From my 0-year plan to yours, happy adventuring! :)
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The Prestigious “5-Year Plan”
Feb 21, 2014