What to Do in Your 20s When You Have No Idea What to Do


I remember asking a psychic on the street, “What should I do with my life?” He looked at me quizzically and said, “I can only look a year into the future, and I need it to be specific.” So that wasn’t very helpful.

In your twenties, the world is your oyster. There are so many choices and paths you can follow. You can work towards your dream job, you can travel the world, or you can go to graduate school. For the first time in your life, there is no roadmap to follow. All you have to do is choose what you want.

But choosing isn’t as easy as it sounds. The pressure to have it “all together” can feel overwhelming. You have all these options, and each one seems just as appealing as the last. But how do you know which one is the right one? Which one will make you happy? Which one will set you up for the future?

Do you go to graduate school because getting a job in this economy is increasingly difficult? Do you travel the world? But how would you financially support that lifestyle? Do you work your way up at a company? But you’re not passionate about anything yet–what if you make manager and realize 10 years later that you actually hate your job?

If you feel this pressure to have it all figured out right now, just know: you’re not alone. Every 20-something has felt this way at one point or another. The best advice I’ve ever gotten? Follow your curiosity.

Instead of having a 5-year plan, follow what interests you. Let your curiosity guide you toward opportunities you might not have considered. Your twenties are the perfect time to try new things — whether it’s picking up a hobby, exploring a new city, starting a fresh career, or even rethinking your perspectives.

Try taking a solo trip to a new city, starting a hobby you’ve always been curious about, or signing up for a class on something you’ve always wanted to learn. Following my curiosity is how I ended up teaching in China, and while it wasn’t all peaches and rainbows, it was critical in helping me learn more about myself and what I wanted.

By exploring and experimenting, you’ll discover what you like and don’t like, helping you clarify what truly matters and guiding you toward a path that feels right. More importantly, remember that there’s no ‘right’ way to live your twenties. There’s only what’s right for you.


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