Hi, I’m Biodun. I’m 23 and worried…. are you?
So, you’re probably the type to feel that if you’ve not figured it all out in your twenties, it might never just work out. The clock is ticking, and we’re losing time, or not?
Adolescence is all fun and no worries except the basic stuff and the assurance that by the time you’re ready to face the world, everything would work out fine. It’s funny because we probably saw adults going through hard times while growing up and felt like, no, that can’t be me. There was a weird sense of assurance. I honestly don’t know where it stems from, especially with the younger generation. We just had this feeling it would work out eventually.
Then, reality hits. The twenties prove to be… well… serious. All the hopes and expectations didn’t exactly pan out as expected, and there’s the disappointment. Of course, many youngsters figure it out in their twenties, but what are the odds against a failing economy and the ugly labor market? Hence, the unending clamor for migration in the hopes of greener pastures.
So, what are we missing?
My aunt said something, “You are an engineer-in-training and cannot afford to view situations as other professionals do.” In truth, there’s so much to learn in your twenties. It’s supposed to be less worry and more experience. If you’re with me on this journey, remember we’ve got time, lots of it. It’s pretty unfortunate that we are pressured beyond our scope to make money so fast. Money is important, yet we’ve got 40 - 60 or more years to make tons of it. How easy would it be to learn how to code, copy-write, or even attain a skill in your 30’s or 40’s?
Networking; do this like your life depends on it. Meet new people, understand their passions, goals and how they can shape, contribute to or affect your goals. We’re so focused on being better and successful than everyone else that we forget the building blocks to success itself.
Try new things, learn as much as you can, get out of your comfort zone, don’t let opinions or failures hold you back. Explore as much as possible. If you’re working, work to learn, not to earn. We all tend to miss this mark but try to understand that everything you go through is a learning process to a destination, as insignificant as it may seem.
Most importantly, as my mom would always say, “with diligence, the money would come.” Don’t compete with others, especially fraudsters. Twenty years ago, you probably needed a complete stereo set to be acknowledged as a “big boy.” And if you had a Golf or a V-boot, you were probably the big baller. Well, if you followed my analogy, you’d understand that today’s latest Benz would become tomorrow’s uber.
Just like you have come to the end of this by reading, read more and as much as possible. If the oldies in their fifties won’t tell us this, we’ll have to tell ourselves.
So, trust the process? maybe not, but trust that the outcome would be amazing if you put in the right amount of effort and commitment.
Once again, I’m Biodun. I’m 23 and worried…. are you?
Share if you feel this would help a youngster on this exact journey.
Comments from my mail:
Dear Biodun,
I must confess reading your mail made me have a second thought on my life. I am 24 years old and I have been battling with more of like thinking and sometimes I get depressed. These thoughts are fears of the real world, how my mates are driving the latest Benz in town and I'm still squatting with a relative. If I'm going to be a good father and a better husband to my future family? Alot
Thanks for the mail sir, it has told me not to worry but focus on the future ahead.
Clifford
Comments from my mail:
Thanks you very much for this piece Mr Abiodun; You clearly explained how we think about life and I see you understand what people in their 20s go through. I am really encouraged by this article, it echoed how my lesson teacher was always grateful for extended meals he gets from my family when I was much younger. I always felt he was excessively grateful in an unnecessary style those days, I didn't understand what he was going through until now that I also have to juggle being a private tutor and university studies at a time. It isn't easy at all.
What struck me most in this article is the fact that you helped me realise I still have time left and it is not too late. Like you wrote - a person in his 30s and 40s might probably have wife, kids, parents and many other things to care about, and which will surely take his time and energy. This is something I suddenly realise I have and I can utilise with diligence and not put too much pressure on myself. There is a lot to express in regards the opportunities I can see now, and I feel you might be well aware of them if I type them out.
I'm stuck of words at this point 🙂. All I can do now is to thank you and let you know I am encouraged.
Warm regards,
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