In her TedTalk "Why 30 is not the new 20", clinical psychologist Meg Jay uses her clientele experience to encourage emerging adults to take charge of life sooner rather than later. She explains to her audience a reoccurring similarity she had noticed in her younger clients: many see their twenties as their "extended adolescence," and fail to expand their career and relationships. She uses an example of a client, Emma, who had felt that she had lost control of her life in all aspects, primarily family and work. She had faced the full front of a mid-life crisis by her mid-twenties. Jay explains how through dedication to develop an "identity capitol," Emma was able to find a job of interest, and build a family of her own.
With next year being my twentieth birthday, now is the exact moment I needed to hear this advice. Several of courses in this semester, especially my introduction to engineering course, have helped me to define a career plan and determine my true passion. Having established this, I feel prepared to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of me.
Jay's speech although daunting, is encouraged and makes me understand the importance of networking. She mentioned that nearly half of available jobs are not posted anywhere, relying on human connection rather than online advertisements to draw in reliable applicants. This explanation makes me more motivated to talk with professionals in my designated career and build these connections early, to ensure that I do not waste my time and find myself in a crisis situation.
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