Reminiscing about college with a friend, I became nostalgic about being an undergraduate student (which was only three years ago), and began to ponder my next step in life.
I miss going to school. I miss the challenge, the dialog, the exploration, and discussing ideas. It is a pity so much rides on the outcome of college. I wish it didn't, then I'd stay there forever, just because I like learning and ideas.I didn't have the typical college life; this isn't nostalgia for the stereotypical college partying, drinking, or debauchery I'm speaking of. I genuinely miss talking about interesting things with (mostly) interesting people.
Now, I'm a grown-up. Complete with a full-time job and my own laundry list of regular non-work responsibilities (including laundry).
Being grown up isn't as bad as we were told it would be as kids; responsibilities aren't easy but the benefit of being an adult is doing what you want to do, and only answering to who or what you want.
My childhood was fun but I was always ready to grow up. I always felt like an old soul, an adult stuck in a child's body. I had ideas and I needed access to things in order to turn them into reality, and those things just aren't available to kids. Plus people rarely take kids seriously, and even as a child I wanted my ideas taken seriously.
Now, as an official "grown-up," it's my child-like mentality towards exploration that's one of my most useful and marketable traits. But it's not so easy to venture out into the world just to ask "so whatcha got?"
 |
| I miss being an undergrad sometimes (but then I look at my paycheck :-P ) |
How does someone who can learn to be interested in anything pick something to be interested in?
What I loved about undergraduate school was the absence of pressure to chose something specific right away. I could explore topics I don't know much about just for the sake of exploring. Even with the pressure on me to graduate promptly, I still took the time to smell the roses and immerse myself in my coursework. I chose classes I wanted to attend.
Physical education, literature, mythology, astronomy, HTML; that's a list of a few of the electives I took during undergrad. I thoroughly enjoyed each of them.
Life is full of so many interesting things to study, how do I pick one? I just have to continue to follow my passion and see where it gets me, after all, I've gotten this far doing just that. Let's see how far I can go.
Don't let the boredom take over. Involve yourself in some activities and hobbies outside of work. Hobbies that are different and challenging in other ways then the skill that makes you a paycheck
I can definitely relate John, feel the same way! I've thought about ditching the 9-to-5 altogether and simply going back to school to study film production. It's the thought of taking on more debt though that discourages me. And in general I just feel there's other ways to gain the experience and knowledge and nostalgia in other settings - now grown up. But when I think about undergrad... it was all the experiences of planning student activities that I enjoyed most. Being around like-minded people, the structured challenges, etc. I miss that too.
Mr. Fancy is on point with his advice. Keep that child-like curiosity, and keep doing what you're doing -- writing about the journey.
I guess there's something being passed around in the water, because I too can relate all too well. Undergrad for me was mainly about relationships - learning how to relate to others from different cultures and lifestyles. Unfortunately, I didn't immerse myself in my studies and my paycheck or lack there of is reflecting such, but my ability to explore and learn independently has helped me a lot along my journey.
I also love school, but I wouldn't recommend grad school unless you see it absolutely necessary for the advancement of your career or using it to open doors that require such an advanced degree. I've recently decided to apply to MBA programs after reflecting long on my past accomplishments and planning where I want my family to be in the next 5 years or so. This was not an easy decision, for I also have the same sentiments as Mario about alternate means of learning.
It's not about picking one concept to study, but about where you want to dedicate your time and passion to make a difference - to provide purpose to you and your family. Our hobbies are what keep us sane and connected with our true selves. Employment, in my opinion, is a means to income that allow us to do more of our hobbies and service to others. Ideally we all want to strive to be employed in a purposeful area in life that compliments our living away from work.
Keep us posted on your progress!