“You can’t think your way through life. The only way to figure out what to do is do - something.”

Sigh. What fresh words to read today. I’ve been reading this book called The Defining Decade: Why your twenties matter-and how to make the most of them now by Meg Jay, Ph.D.

My mom laughed when I shared the title. I didn’t care. I found it intriguing and terribly relevant. Here I am — a twentysomething trying to figure out my next steps after college. And someone with a lot of time on her hands to read books. Lol

Today I was reading a chapter about Identity Capital. Meg really challenged a client — and I was challenged reading it — not to get stuck in the “Starbucks phase,” which is basically accepting a number of odd never ending underemployed jobs such as working in a coffee shop. Great timing, as I was just about to apply for a job at Barnes & Nobles… Instead she challenged her client — and me — to pursue a job that gives more capital — identity capital. The point is that identities and careers are not typically made out of GPAs and interviews about your major — everyone knows that right?

What I stood out to me is need not to waste my time on jobs “just to pay the bills” or at least don’t get stuck there for too long. I hope to do what the client wish she would have done and take “work leaps or a wider range of jobs” — experiment with work.

The best thing about life after graduation — right not at least — is I don’t HAVE to do anything. There is no paper to write a month in advance because you hate writing. There isn’t any book to purchase and read before the next quiz. There is no group project to do by yourself…just time and whatever else you want to.

Geesh. I honestly thought I would love this — I mean, I kinda do like it —- but I haven’t found out how to love it yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a go-getter. Set a goal and done. People always admire me for that.

Finally feels like I have nothing to go get yet…plus searching for jobs is a total ass. I learned very quickly that landing a job in my field requires more networking and relocation across country. Two things that require time, money, and the right people. Then searching for a job that is worth my time and isn’t below my previous $$$ is like a separate ship sailing far far away into distant waters.

However, the more time between my graduation and today, I get a little more settled, and a little more confident about my future. I still wake up, buckle down and search the sea of jobs. I’m learning a ton too — how to improve my resume, how to connect with professionals in my field, how to send good emails, etc.

Although I feel lost in this new stage of life, I am finding my way, one day at a time.