Being 25

So here it goes - my first blog post that isn't a book review. It's already hard not having something solid to discuss, but I'll give it a go and we'll decide whether it's the right way forward.

I've had this idea brewing to write an article (or something of that fashion) about 'Being 25'. Each year we have a birthday and it's usually just a number - one that I often forget. I was telling people I was 23 months after my 24th birthday; either wishful thinking or plain forgetfulness. Anyway, my point is that it doesn't usually impact on my life a huge amount. But turning 25 felt different and has done ever since. I haven't forgotten that I'm a year older this time. (I'll just say a quick sorry to the people who are older than me and have hit such milestones as 30 or 40 years of age, but this blog post is about my personal view on being 25 and a more general commentary on being in your 20's).

I think that being in your 20's is harder than your teenage years in a way. This is the age when your friends will be split into three; those who settle (get married, have kids), those who focus on their career and those who travel. It's a constant conflict - do you spend all your time working your butt off to get a good job (£30k by the time you're 30), or do you simply let go of the need to pursue a 'career' and go and discover the world? At 25, I'm still deciding which one of those I want. The various paths are clear in front of me, but I need to decide which one to take. It's an interesting place to be.

For me, my 20's have seen a number of changes. I finished University and began earning a decent monthly salary for the first time. All of a sudden, I had money to play with. This was a learning curve. At first, I spent it on clothes, eating out, holidays etc. I could get away with this as I still lived at home and had no real commitments. I bought my first car (another first) and began to save money. After a while, living at home began to take its toll. So I moved out; my own flat, some independence, a place to call my own. My savings diminished and I had to budget. So now the urge to earn a better wage has surfaced. It's a vicious cycle.

And now, at the grand old age of 25, I've started to ask myself - what do I enjoy? What am I passionate about? Probably questions I should have asked myself a long time ago. It's hard to make decisions with the pressure of school and university and earning a living. Did any of you know what you wanted at 25? Or if you haven't reached it yet, are you certain about your future career path? Do we ever really 'know what we want'? I'm starting to think more and more that your 20's aren't meant for making career choices.

I think I'm beginning to answer these questions, though. The internet offers an extraordinary creative outlet and writing blogs is just the beginning. All of a sudden, there is a place where you can write whatever you like and people will read it. I love to write and I'm starting to wonder - is it so crazy to do what you love? Another thing that begins to happen in your 20's is that you begin to care less about what others think of you. Allowing others to read your writing makes you feel exposed, but is also extremely exhilarating. My journey is just beginning and I'd love to take you along with me.

I'd really like to know your thoughts on 'Being 25'. For those of you who have survived your 20's, what does hindsight offer? What were you doing then and how has that changed? I'm aware this post has probably asked more questions than it's answered, but I'm genuinely interested to hear what you think.

This is a widely discussed topic, so I'm sure you all have opinions! Please comment and share them with me.

As always, thank you for reading.

Alice x