Chapter 1: The Journey to Adulthood

Life can be quite an unpredictable journey, often serving as a stern teacher. As children, society pressures us to transition into adulthood much too quickly. While we benefit from advancements like labor laws that protect children from exploitation, the expectations to act like adults remain intense.

By the age of sixteen, many young people face numerous inquiries about their futures and are expected to devise concrete plans. This includes striving for good grades, participating in extracurricular activities, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, researching potential colleges, and securing jobs, internships, or volunteer roles—all before their brains have fully developed. Recent studies suggest that our brains aren’t truly mature until around age 25.

> “The changes that happen between 18 and 25 are a continuation of the process that starts around puberty, and 18-year-olds are about halfway through that process. Their prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and goal-oriented planning, is still developing.” — NPR

This means that during these formative years, young adults may not be equipped to make the prudent, future-oriented decisions society expects from them. How many of us can recall impulsive or emotional actions we took during our teenage years that didn't serve our long-term interests? As adults, we often find ourselves shaking our heads at the choices made by teenagers.

We live in a culture that relentlessly pushes us toward achieving benchmarks at an ever-accelerating pace, often disregarding our emotional and psychological realities. The pressure to gain college admission, graduate, find employment, enter into relationships, marry, purchase a home, and start a family can feel overwhelming—especially when much of this is expected before reaching neurological maturity at 25.

Despite increasing life expectancies, many traditional beliefs about adulthood persist, creating stress that can linger for years, if not a lifetime. For me, it is crucial to prioritize taking time to be a teenager and to focus on self-discovery, even if it contradicts the advice of family, counselors, and societal norms.

At that age, individuals are navigating their thoughts, beliefs, and identities, striving to distinguish themselves from their parents, siblings, and peers. It's easy to lose oneself amid the hustle culture that many of us began engaging in at just 16.

A healthy approach to personal growth can lay a strong foundation for future decisions, providing the security of knowing one's identity. We have ample time to embrace adulthood; society should allow us to evolve along a path that supports our development and enhances our future success. This approach would signify a mature, forward-thinking perspective.

So, if I could offer guidance to my 16-year-old self, it would be to:

• Prioritize self-reflection and discover who you truly are.
• Allow yourself the time to simply be a teenager.
• Explore your interests and passions. Reflect on how you choose to spend your free time; if you’re drawn to certain activities, they likely hold significance for you. Investigate potential job roles aligned with these interests.
• Understand that it's perfectly acceptable not to have a clear career path; many people change their careers multiple times throughout their lives. You can’t fully grasp the nuances of a job without experiencing it firsthand.
• Remember that your job is just one aspect of your life. While it’s natural to pursue passion, it shouldn't consume your entire identity. Your personal life matters, too. Balancing these areas is essential to avoid burnout.

We often find ourselves racing toward arbitrary goals, maturing too quickly, and letting life slip by, only to reflect with nostalgia. Thus, my career advice centers more on life guidance, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery to build a solid foundation for a fulfilling adult life, encompassing but not limited to career aspirations.

This reflection serves as my nineteenth entry in the Refresh The Soul 30-Day Writing Challenge for September: What career advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and special thanks to Nancy Blackman for facilitating this enriching challenge and publication.

Chapter 2: Valuable Insights from Others

In this enlightening video titled "Career advice to my past self (good and bad choices) ~ Frannerd," the creator shares key lessons learned from their own experiences, offering valuable insights for those navigating early adulthood.

The second video, "Why you need to let go of your past self," discusses the importance of releasing old identities and embracing growth, a crucial aspect of personal development and future success.