As teens reach adulthood, so much is expected of them. One thing they are asked for time and time again is if they have their future planned out.
Some teens have their life planned out either by their parents’ business or wealth while others are worried and astray. Questions like ‘what will you do with your life after high school?’ and ‘what career are you going into?’ can be overwhelming as teens are often expected to have everything planned out right after high school. But, planning often occurs in later years, when they are figuring themselves out. Many seniors are left to worry about what their life holds for them and the purpose of it. An overwhelming feeling can build up from expectations.
Senior Ainz Aeshleman shares her concern on the topic, “I’m definitely afraid of the future and I’m also afraid of how they’re going to react when I say I don’t know what I’m going to do after high school because it’ll cause a long lecture that isn’t important to me,” she said.
At times, the pressure of unclear expectations can cause a senior to spiral into self-doubt, worrying that they may not meet all the requirements needed to achieve success. “I feel very stressed because I know I’m very indecisive, and I’m worried about making the wrong decision and that’ll stick with me throughout life. I want to be a pharmacist, but what if I don’t like being a pharmacist?” said senior Larissa Cadat.
There’s always that worrying feeling of ‘what if I don’t enjoy the career I picked?’ Due to this uncertain feeling, seniors may turn to comparing their plans and achievements to their peers.
Comparing one career to other friends’ could cause seniors to try to step back from their decisions. “It can cause stress when comparing our plans to others, only because a lot of people seem to be super sure of where they’re going or not so sure what they’re going into,” said senior Laine Towe.
It can be disorienting when the safety net that young adults are used to is taken away and they’re almost on their own. “I think adults should understand how nerve wracking it can be when you’re going to be on your own for the first time,” said Ainz Aeshlaman. And, it can be, as seniors are now usually expected to get a job. Even the decision of what to have for dinner can be complicated as there are many choices and outcomes, but that’s ok.
As it may be overwhelming and confusing at first, there’s time to become comfortable with it. It is a tremendous change from middle school to high school, then to college and into adulthood. Life can be difficult, and it is meant to be. Not having everything figured out in life is okay. Everyone’s path looks different. Life is meant to be trial and error.
