Your Career Isn't a Staight Line - That's Okay

When I was young I had no idea what I wanted to be, but what I did know was I was going to find it and thrive in it. This was my mindset at 18 years-old. At (almost) 24 years-old I've finally realised that isn't how it's going to work for me. 

When I chose to do Journalism at univeristy it was expected that, of course, I was going to move into the field and work my way up into the big time. In my head I was going to write for Cosmo - I even based my whole class magazine at uni on the idea. 

What they don't teach you in school or university though, is that there will be bumps along the way. (Unless you're hella lucky) 

In the past five years, this is what my career process has actually looked like. 

So it was all going the way I imagined until I decided to go back to university. Now I have no idea what I want to do next. Do I embark on my new career with my new qualifications, or do I return to my former career path. The problem is I love both. 

I spent a long time worrying that I wouldn't get taken seriously on my course because my journalism background had little to do with education. Now I spend time worrying I won't get taken seriously returning to the media after taking a year out to explore something else. 

How much time have I really wasted?!

But, what I've realised since is very few people have a straight forward career and very few people have everything figured out in their 20s. It's normal and it's okay if you are in the same boat too. 

Going through all of this during the UK's national lockdown has certainly helped me to see this for what it is. Just life. I may have gone up and down in my career paths so far, but no matter where I have been on that scale I have been expanding my knowledge and skill set and learning more about what I am good at and what i can offer employers. 

I've got to be honest, I have no idea what's next for me on my journey. But, I know whatever it is I will be able to use everything I've learned along the way and I'll give it my all. 

And, most importantly, I'm not the only one.