Am I On the Right Path?

I think about this a lot. Kind of constantly, actually. I wouldn't say it plagues my thoughts or anything, but it's not exactly the most upbeat thought I've ever had. This thought stems from absolutely anything: after questions about what I want to do after Cleveland, every time I write a blot post, every time I peruse job listings, every time I see a picture of New York City. It's one of those demanding thoughts that either scares the crap out of me or makes me feel insanely excited for the future.

I spent a lot of college wondering if I was in the right field of study. It's no secret that I didn't love college. I wasn't overly thrilled with my school's journalism program. That, coupled with my change in interest in journalism over the course of my first couple of years in college, made me question a lot of things. I was lucky enough to have started my blog early enough in my college career that it kept me sane throughout all of the assignments and classes that were really lowering my morale. Then, I got my first retail job here that made me see businesses in an entirely new light. My second retail job in Cleveland gave me the opportunity to explore digital marketing and social media and the back-end of businesses and marketing. Running this blog and those two jobs caused a shift in my career focus, one that I am endlessly grateful for.

When I was growing up, I assumed I would become a lawyer. It's kind of a family profession. I figured I would graduate from college with some sort of degree that didn't really matter and move onto law school to follow in my mom's footsteps. After watching Legally Blonde a few too many times, this seemed like the best path for me. Until it didn't. I don't know why I decided against it or when, but my mom told me I was too creative for law school and that I shouldn't force myself to go. After that, I didn't think much of it. There are some days where I lose faith in myself and just want to throw my hands in the air in frustration and take the LSAT. But I don't think Elle Woods would be proud of me for that, so then I shift my mindset back to where it should be and carry on.

I'm still not exactly sure what path I'm on. I hope it's not a long, confusing, winding path. I'd love for it to be a short and smooth path to New York City, but I know that things aren't that simple in life. Maybe I'll have five jobs I hate before I settle into one that feels right. Maybe I'll get it right in just a couple of tries. Who knows if I'll work in social media or will put my journalism degree to good use. Even if I'm unsure about my path now, I have faith that I'll get myself to the end point I need to. I have the power to do that, I guess.