Most people associate January 1st with the beginning of a new year. But I feel like October 18th is what signifies that another year has passed. If there’s any time to reflect and make resolutions, it’s on your birthday, right?
I remember on this day last year, I was at work at Duke, and was totally bitter than I had to be there. I was unhappy with my job, and on that day, I was particularly emotional about that fact that I needed a new position, maybe a new degree, and definitely a better attitude about the working world. Last year felt hectic – we moved to Durham, I got a job, Matt was MIA with school, I quit a job, I took a part-time job, I quit that job, I moved to Atlanta for the summer, I started a new job…a lot happenend, there were a lot of up’s and down’s, and it was not comfortable. Honestly, I think 26 was my worst year yet:(
This year on the 18th, I would obviously rather be at home than at work (or back in college), but I definitely don’t feel bitter. I’ve accomplished a lot in a year, and I’m just happy to have a paycheck and know that I only have to work until June 7th before I can reassess again. I generally like work, I’m enjoying my evenings, and I’m having a blast on the weekends. I know there will be changes this year too: I’m getting married, Matt is graduating, and we’ll likely be moving yet again. It’s a big year! But I’m so excited for all of it and I’m confident that with 27 years under my belt, I can make this year even better than the last. After all, my prefrontal cortex, or the part of the brain that controls ‘good judgement’, was likely still maturing in my mid 20′s , and I think it’s safe to say, that I’m officially in my late 20′s:)
Here’s hoping that 27 is not only better than 26, but that it’s the best year yet.
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Welcome to TBT!
I've created this blog because I'm in a bit of a quarter life crisis. Since graduating from college in 2008 and earning an advanced degree in school psychology in May, I still don't know what career path to follow. All I know is that time is moving way too fast and I find myself living only for the weekends. Bear with me as I attempt to reclaim my twenties by finding pleasure and balance in the work week and incorporating my passions of food, fashion, fitness, and fun into everyday life. 
Happy Birthday, Laura! And I, too, hope that 27 is your best year yet! Enjoy!!
Thanks Susan!
Happy birthday! Here’s to an amazing year ahead for you!
Thank you!
happy birthday
Happy Birthday!! Hope you had a wonderful day!!
Thanks! I did:)
Happy Happy Birthday, I hope today is great!! 27 sounds like a great year
I hope so:)
Happy B-Day!! I can’t wait to celebrate with you over the next couple of days. And here’s to many more in years to come!
With love,
M
And I think your pre-frontal cortex and all the rest of you, are just right, because, after all, I am your mother. Happy birthday and zillions more!
happy happy birthday!!!!
Happy birthday Laura! Might I say, it is so refreshing to read an honest blog! Your openness about your life is comforting. You are in good company– I, too, am fresh out of school and dissatisfied with my career choice. There is a lot of pressure to pick “the right” career. Follow your heart, follow your passions! If school psych doesn’t make you happy, chase what does! I’m scratching all of my schooling and starting fresh with nursing. We only have one life, right? Cheers! And have a fabulous day
Thank you!!! Good luck with nursing!!
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! 27 is going to be an Epic year for you.
I think the hardest part about being a working 20-something is that I think many of us weren’t raised with realistic expectations of what job should be. I know many friends who assumed that if they just found their perfect job that everything would be easy, smooth and fulfilling most of the time. The reality is that even a job that is your passion can still be full of ups and downs and make you miserable a good portion of the time, especially in a down economy when everything is a bit more tense than usual. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t leave a job that makes you miserable or where growth has slowed (I’ve done that twice) it just means that sometimes, you need to cut yourself a little slack. I think sometimes social media makes it worse because it can make it seem like all of your friends have their shit together and are happy at their jobs all the time, when really it is that most people disproportionately share the good over the bad.
So my advice would be to take a deep breath and recognize that you’re lucky to have the freedom to quit jobs, try something new, and reinvent yourself. I remind myself that all the time because it’s definitely a privilege vs. being in a position where I had no choice but to take a horrible, taxing job just to support myself.
Very good points, and I def. agree about social media:( I’m very lucky, because even though I’m not passionate about my job, it’s not horrible or taxing!! Thanks for the comment!
But you also got engaged and became an aunt in the past year, so it can’t have been all bad, right?
You’re right!!! It was mostly just bad in terms of job stuff and feeling happy with my daily life:( The big stuff was great!