Life seems to be a series of ups and downs I think we can all agree with that. Everyone goes through highs and lows, and the lows sometimes feel like we’re in a tunnel and we keep walking never seeing the light. But if life were always good, we would never appreciate the good things, and we probably wouldn’t work as hard to accomplish things. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
If you’re like me, you’re a young woman and you’re either trying to move up in your career or just trying to find yourself. You’re also most likely categorised as a millennial. Millennials have a bad rap for being lazy, but in reality, times are just tough right now. Most of us have mounds of student debt and bills, and aren’t making enough to compensate for it. We all work hard but the job market is just tough these days. So naturally, it’s easy to just crawl up in a ball and want to give up.
The good news is, you’ve been through a rut before, whether it was getting dumped at prom then eating Ben & Jerry’s and watching the O.C. for a week, or getting fired from a restaurant for something you didn’t do. And what happened? You got over it, and moved onto the next thing. It’s just weird when you’ve been in college for 4 to 6 years and you have it in your mind that when you get out, things will be golden and that’s not the case. But guess what, you’re not the only one. Millions of young people around the world are working two part-time jobs just trying to make ends meet.
So what can you do to not feel hopeless, and get out of your rut?
It’s almost like a druggie going to away to rehab for a year, and coming out a whole new, unrecognisable person with a world full of opportunities ahead of them.
Make Some Changes
That job that you absolutely hate and feels like a dead end, get out! Well, find another job first of course. I know you’re probably looking for something pertaining to your degree or what you want to do as your profession, but in the meantime just find another gig. Maybe it’s a cool new vintage store or café that you really like. At least you’ll be a little happier! Meanwhile, just keep trying for something.
If you’ve been living in a city for a while, and it hasn’t presented the opportunities that you want, then it’s a tell-tale sign that you need to move on. Moving to a new city brings opportunities and a more energized you.
Try Something New
We all get stuck in monotonous routines, which it’s good to have structure, but sometimes you have to break the mold. It could be something as small as driving a different way to work, or eating something different for breakfast, or as big as trying out a new hobby.
I’ve always wanted to play the drums, and I just started playing. It’s been a few weeks, but I’ve already gotten pretty good! It’s fun and helps relieve stress, and I feel cool doing it. It could be yoga, a dance class, guitar, writing, or just reading more. You only live once, so do something cool!
Allow Yourself To Have A Good Time
Maybe, you’re always working or always with your significant other, take some leisure alone time. Go out on a long walk in the city. Sit out in the sun with a cappuccino and soak up the rays. Sometimes you have to get a little lost to find yourself. It can spark new inspiration. There’s a famous quote “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” I think this means making a change of plans, even something little like hanging out with a friend instead of going to the gym, things can happen. For instance, you never get that job offer when you’re just hanging out at home, you’re out doing something.
In essence, doing what you think you’re supposed to be doing isn’t always the best thing. Now, I’m not saying always go out on the town and goof off, but you have to go out and have fun sometimes!
Keep Learning
Learning doesn’t stop when you get out of school, in fact every day our lives I think it is important to keep learning because knowledge is power. Knowing things and perfecting skills is what puts you ahead of the crowd.
Take an online course about something you want to learn, there are tons of free courses for just about anything you want to learn. Watch the news, read more books on topics that interest you.
Take Away
Ruts are the result of one or a few components in your life that just aren’t aligned with your true self. Figure out what those are, and find solutions. And when in doubt, if you’re feeling down, go for a walk and immerse yourself in nature. This rut won’t last forever, just keep on keeping on!
