Your basic mid-20's crisis I guess. Looking for a better job. Just gave up cigarettes. Paying off my credit card debt. Things I need to do if I ever dream of starting a family. I'm pushing hard to be a better me.
Congrats on quitting cigs. Even if its through e-cigs or whatever, that's tough work and it would've only been harder for you every year you stayed hooked. Honestly, the way you say it seems like a refreshing mid-20's proactive self-improvement venture, not a crisis; things could be way worse. Best of luck.
I'm kind of in the same shoes as you. It's been a full year since I've joined the field I studied for. Been on my own for this full year has made me realized what the future can hold, and whether or not it's something I'd strive for. Thinking of starting a family hasn't crossed my mind so much. Looking for a better job has popped in my head a few times. What I care for is my health. I'd say I'm healthy now, but I'm looking on how I can prevent any future burdens because as soon as the 30's hit is when the metabolism and overall any bodily functions start to decline (slowly but surely). What's hitting me hard mentally is the constant struggle of trying to form relationships and how they are based off of economic status. For one, I've never had a serious girlfriend for a long period of time (I can't imagine having one either), but I'm not a player by any means I have more rare casual encounters if anything. There's also a tug of war in my head per say of whether I desire materials (to better my image in front of others) or just have a simple life where I consume knowledge and not have to worry about maintaining an image. It's really tough thinking about these things daily when you live in a very urban area where it is more times than not expected...
Health is a huge concern of mine. I have a physical job that keeps me in shape but my offtime is spent making poor lifestyle choices. Too much eat, drink and merriment. It's already catching up to me. Don't put too much pressure on relationships. Funny thing is the second I stop caring about companions is when I fall assbackwards into one. As far as materials and knowledge and image go? I try (always trying) to keep a delicate balance.
It really comes down to what will actually last and how you define yourself. Projecting an image isn't inherently bad, it's natural and a method of communicating. It's the questionable social influence that revolves around forced hierarchy, consumerism and permanent slight dissatisfaction that causes angst from what I've experienced. You can project the image of the man living the simple life consuming knowledge (just be sure that's who you really are in your actions.) There's also a tug of war in my head per say of whether I desire materials (to better my image in front of others) or just have a simple life where I consume knowledge and not have to worry about maintaining an image. It's really tough thinking about these things daily when you live in a very urban area where it is more times than not expected...
I get the idea, but that's my struggle. Defining what my very actions are, and it seems the only way to do this is to judge others (not entirely in a negative light either).You can project the image of the man living the simple life consuming knowledge (just be sure that's who you really are in your actions.)
Man, I'm right here with you. I've realized I'll never be mentally free unless what I am in total control of what I do everyday. My job is great. I get paid to do things I'd do for free to satisfy my own curiosity and it's a relatively new field. But the company doesn't belong to me, I have to answer to someone else and their judgments determine whether I can even survive. I'm not cool with that. Also, exploring as many of the remaining subcultures as I can. I am constantly working on expanding my music collection. Have this home improvement plan that revolves around making the space, open, interactive, and comforting. Friends have liked the results so far.
"I'll never be mentally free unless I am in TOTAL control of what I do every day." My new mantra. You put that perfectly.