The modern-day struggles of a 25- year old.
I have a degree. I am using it. Not in a “corporate space,” but I am using it.
Have the brand, I am working on it. But you need the money to support the brand.
What do you do when both actually need to coexist with each other?
Let’s Get Into It
After college blob
I did the internship, and didn’t land a full-time job until a few years after.
Back in the job market, two years later. Kinda.
A two-pager resume, pretty stacked with skills. I am experienced.
Am I too experienced, though?
Do I need a master’s degree to seal the deal?
Did the “old school” route of just getting my bachelor’s work out, though?
Do I need a master’s?
The brand saga
I like creating a small business, this brand from scratch. It’s a project with moving pieces, all curated by me.
Does the brand fit my current needs?
What are they?
Well, bills, credit cards, and student loans are typical 25-year-old junk mail.
What do you do when business isn’t paying the bills, but you really want the business, and corporate says they’re hiring, you may be too qualified for the entry position and underqualified for the leadership position because you don’t have “five-plus years” of experience?
I could pray
Yes, I went to church today to find a piece of hope, to gather my thoughts, get closer to God, and feel a bit of relief.
It’s helpful.
However, I walked out still in my retail job, still have bills due, and don’t know what’s next…
I totally know bills are due.
Bills, bills, bills!
Maybe I should’ve become a therapist, but that just meant more bills.
Maybe I should’ve gotten that master’s, but I am over with school life, no more busy work.
Another title means another bill, and boy, we’ve got too many!
Can’t afford to add on any.
Maybe I should pray
It’s been a year, and some change, and life feels like I am moving like a caterpillar, except I am the caterpillar who gets her wings, then goes back into a cocoon.
I am a butterfly, though (occasionally).
I have reset moments. Is it bad? I am 25, and I guess this is the best time to try to figure it all out.
The majority of my 20s were working jobs and trying to build 6:23, maybe 25 is that year. Well, 26, because I am preparing for a birthday in a few months.
Twenty-five has been good to me, a true gem of growth and age. It’s been difficult in a sense of feeling like I need everything to be together, but maybe that’s the beauty of 25.
The last year of feeling like you’re stuck and accepting you’re not stuck, you’re just progressing into the next chapter of adulthood.
I like brand building
Building my own brand isn’t easy and comes with risks and challenges, but I like it.
It’s teaching me that good things take time, and to build longevity, you can’t rush. You need to research, test, and try a few times again. It’s okay.
Especially when you know God isn’t failing you, he’s giving me a playground to try new things, test them, and see if I like them. See if I find peace while doing them.
The concept of peace
Growing up, we’re taught that education and money are the true definition of “winning ” in life.
To be “rich” in materials means you’ve done something right.
What if you’re rich in spirit, though, because you’ve found the concept of peace instead of the highest-paying job?
Dwell on that for a bit.
Today’s church service expressed the importance of calming your mind and finding peace by knowing God has you covered.
Ironically, my guidebook talks about finding peace by knowing the Lord has already figured the situation out and wants you not to worry or be anxious.
Do you know how I felt when I heard that
At peace.
I felt at peace because I knew God woke me this morning, put it in my mind to get up and go to church to confirm.
No, I am not a frequent Sunday churchgoer. The past year was my first time going as an adult because I wanted to get to know church for myself. It’s still a process, and I am trying my best to find comfort in church.
I’ve only been to two, and each was completely different, which was unique to me. The experience has been less about finding the “perfect church home” and more about giving time to God publicly in a setting other than my personal space.
As an adult, I’ve truly had to develop my own relationship with the Lord because I believe in him and I know he’s covering me. He’s giving me strength beyond to give my testimony out-loud, but fueling me as a vessel to let you know –
Your time is coming.
It’s near.
I was reassured of that today.
As I said, my daily guidebook has been saying it. It’s been explained to me, but hearing it out loud from a stranger (guest pastor) on the day I went to church felt different. It felt like a sweet whisper from the Lord saying, “You’re where you need to be, my daughter, don’t worry, don’t stress, don’t be anxious, I got you.”
So, what’s next
No, we don’t sit and wait or ponder.
We still apply and execute our skills. Rewrite the cover letter, edit the website, research new skills, develop new ideas, and keep applying.
Rather, it’s knowledge, creativity, or inspiration; keep applying ourselves. Whatever path we’re meant to take, God has already prepared the way.
Pay attention, listen to the whispers, and know what truly brings you peace; you will know what to apply your utmost energy to.
The job or the brand
It doesn’t matter what route you take. What matters is the joy you’re having, the peace that’s been made, and the maintenance.
Enjoy learning and researching your craft? Do that.
Having fun creating new ideas for a company and working with coworkers? Do that.
Love the drive and concept of building your own? Do that.
God places us in positions that bring us peace, happiness, and prosperity. If it’s not from God, you will know. You’ll never find comfort in it.
Don’t get mad at your timeline. You’re never behind; no one can take your place. No one can be you.
You’re the only person who can get you where you need to be. Especially when you have God as your guide, he’s waiting on you to catch up; he’s waiting on you to create a connection with him.
The ultimate connection, the reference who doesn’t expect anything in return. The mentor who pushes you to higher ground, not just listens. He gives high-quality instructions for free.
You have to call on him. His phone is always working, and he’s waiting on you to make that first appointment so he can give you that first step.
Make two steps, he makes six.
What are we waiting for?
Let’s step into Monday knowing we’re blessed and be grateful for the blessings God has given us, and for the ones he’s already taken care of.
You’re a powerful being.
With love,
C.Alilijah