Feeling Lost in Your 20s? Why You Don’t Need to Have Life Figured Out (Yet)
Why You Don’t Need to Have Life Figured Out in Your 20s (And What to Focus on Instead)
I Didn’t Have a Clear Plan—But I Had Curiosity
I still remember that afternoon at a little Italian place, sitting across from my ex-boyfriend when he asked me: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
The question caught me off guard, but I gave him the answer I thought he—and honestly, anyone—wanted to hear. I took a sip of wine, popped an olive into my mouth, and said something about climbing the career ladder, living in the same city, travelling to trendy places during my five weeks of vacation, and spending my weekends just like this—sipping wine and daydreaming.
A week later, I sat down to reflect on that conversation. And it hit me.
That vision? It wasn’t really mine. It was just everything I had assumed I was supposed to want.
But if that wasn’t what I truly wanted, then what was? I had no clue. For the longest time, I kept telling myself, “I don’t know. I’m just Mimi—the one who doesn’t know what she wants in life.”
And because I believed that about myself, guess what? Others started believing it too. We project what we think about ourselves, and people pick up on it way too easily.
Looking back, I just want to sit down with my past self and say: Of course you didn’t know what you wanted—you had barely tried anything yet!
Because the truth? I spent my 20s trying everything.
I moved through cities, worked in different fields, and said yes to opportunities just to see where they’d take me. I sold ice cream 🍦, worked in libraries 📚, and at one point, I was doing marketing for a remote dive shop in Malaysia 🌊. Some jobs lasted months, some just weeks. Some I loved, others I outgrew fast.
But through it all, one thing remained clear—I was determined to finish my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Even when I didn’t see my professional future in those fields anymore, I wanted to have that foundation while I was still young and flexible. I knew that no matter where life took me, education, experience, and adaptability would always serve me well.
Now, looking back, I realise my 20s weren’t about figuring out one perfect career path—they were about collecting experiences, learning what excited me, and becoming the person who could create the life I truly wanted.
If you feel lost right now, here’s what actually matters (and what doesn’t).
What Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think
❌ Having a Perfect Career Plan – Most people change careers multiple times. The best way to find what you love? Try things, learn, and pivot.
❌ Knowing Exactly Where You’ll End Up – At 23, I would have never guessed that one day I’d be in Australia, working for myself. Life unfolds in unexpected ways. Instead of stressing about the final destination, focus on the next right step.
❌ Being “On Track” Like Everyone Else – Success isn’t about ticking the same boxes as everyone else. Some people settle down early, some travel, some start businesses at 40—and all of it is valid.
What Actually Matters in Your 20s
✅ Learning About Yourself – Your 20s are for figuring out who you are, not just what you do. Explore, make mistakes, and get to know what actually excites you.
✅ Building Skills, Not Just Titles – Instead of obsessing over job titles, focus on skills that will serve you long-term—communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, problem-solving.
✅ Prioritising Mental & Emotional Well-Being – Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Learning how to manage stress, set boundaries, and take care of yourself now will impact your entire future.
If You Feel Lost Right Now, Here’s What to Do
1️⃣ Detach From the Pressure to “Have It All Figured Out” – Life is not a straight path. The sooner you accept that, the easier it gets.
2️⃣ Focus on Your Own Timeline – Your journey is unique. Instead of comparing, ask: What feels aligned for me right now?
3️⃣ Take Small Steps Towards What Feels Right – You don’t need a 5-year plan. You just need the courage to take the next step, even if you don’t know where it leads yet.
Final Thoughts
Your 20s are for exploration, growth, and becoming—not just achieving. Every “random” experience, every unexpected detour, every leap of faith adds to your story in ways you can’t yet see.
So if you’re feeling lost—you’re exactly where you need to be.
✨ What’s one thing you’ve learned about navigating your 20s? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your journey!
Oh, and sorry to my ex-boyfriend for lying to him back then—but let’s be honest, we both know we weren’t exactly a perfect match. And honestly? I’d much rather be typing these lines while my husband drives us through an Australian road trip than sipping wine in the same city I thought I’d never leave. Because this is where all my 20-something insecurities—and finally facing them—led me: to an adventurous life on my own terms, loving what I do, and having the confidence to keep exploring what’s next. 🚙✨
