Reflection
Most of us are taught to listen to our parents. This is especially true when it comes to major life decisions during young adulthood.
Path
For many young adults, the path is pretty standard. You finish high school, then move out. Maybe it is college, maybe a new city, maybe a place of your own. That was not my path. Mine took a different turn.
After secondary school, I went straight into the workforce. I held several roles in two different organizations, all while still living with my parents. As time passed, I reached about twenty four years old. That is when my first big challenge hit.
Setback
I was out of a job.
I did the usual thing and started looking for work right away. That search stretched into four long, draining months. After a while, I stopped being picky and started looking for odd jobs just to fill the gap.
One thing I was grateful for in that season was living with my parents. I didn’t have rent or a mortgage. My main responsibilities were my phone bill, car insurance, and a few utility bills.
Struggle
By month three with no income, my small 401k stash was gone. I knew I was not supposed to touch that money. I felt embarrassed, stuck, and a little numb. I kept asking myself if I had already messed up my life in my twenties. Nevertheless, when you feel like you have nowhere else to turn, you do what you have to do.
Fear
Then month four rolled around, and I finally got good news. I had a job offer on the table. The catch was that it was out of state. I had never lived on my own, never lived without my parents.
My brain
Naturally, I was scared. My brain was busy listing everything that can go wrong.
- How would I manage bills on my own?
- How I meet new people?
- Build a new routine in a place I did not know?
Instinct
“Take the offer.”
I listened.
Leap
I am glad I did. The offer came with a twenty five thousand dollar increase from my earlier job. The role started with a ninety day probation period, so I treated it like a test.
Becoming
During those ninety days, I explored. I found the nearest gas stations. I mapped out grocery stores. I looked at apartments near the office. I paid attention to how the area felt and how I felt in it.
Alignment
Piece by piece, things lined up.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Trust
When something good comes your way, do not let fear and overthinking grab the wheel. Notice the instinct underneath all the noise. Give it at least one clear vote in your decision.
Even if you are not completely sure, that is how you slowly learn to trust yourself.
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