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| I'm a recent college graduate, and I'm prioritizing stability and routine in my 20s. Emma Canning |
Four days after graduating from Syracuse University on a bright spring afternoon, I found myself back in my childhood bedroom in Massachusetts, surrounded by posters and decor I had picked out at 15.
The moment felt surreal. My identity as a student something that had defined me for so long had disappeared. I was left wondering: who am I now, and who will I become without the structure that school once provided?
We're constantly told that life after college is the beginning of freedom. It’s supposed to be the time to explore the world, say yes to every opportunity, and embrace spontaneity. But all I can think about is how badly I want a routine.
Social Media Makes Me Feel Like I'm Doing My 20s Wrong
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| I often find myself watching videos of my peers traveling on social media. mca15/Shutterstock |
On TikTok and Instagram, I see people my age some of them classmates I just graduated with hopping between Greek islands, sipping Aperol spritzes in Italy, or posing at rooftop bars in Spain.
It’s hard not to internalize those images and wonder, Is this what I should be doing too? Even though I know those glamorous clips are carefully curated highlights, there’s still a sense of pressure to make the most of this “in-between” phase before adulthood fully takes over.
The rational side of me quickly jumps in: How can I afford all that? What about finding a job? Am I wasting time? But then another thought creeps in Am I just boring?
The truth is, after four years of bouncing between college and home, I’ve never truly felt settled. So maybe it’s not boring to want a sense of permanence. Maybe it’s just what I need.
For me, the adventure I crave isn’t about chasing passport stamps it’s about building a life that’s fully my own. I dream about moving to a new city, decorating my first apartment, and becoming a regular at a local coffee shop. I want to build a career surrounded by people who are passionate and driven. And yes, I want a routine.
Oddly enough, choosing stability in your 20s almost feels rebellious like I’m going against what this decade is “supposed” to look like.
I'm Learning That “Living Your Best Life” Looks Different for Everyone
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| Right now, I'm prioritizing my relationships with friends. Emily Bruck |
The phrase "make the most of your 20s" gets tossed around a lot but the truth is, that means something different for everyone.
For some, it means taking big risks, traveling the world, or uprooting their lives for something exciting. For others, it’s about growing roots staying close to family, building meaningful routines, or diving deep into a career path.
Not everyone has the means, time, or desire to jet off on a month-long European adventure. And that’s okay.
For me, freedom right now looks like consistency: cooking meals, working out in the morning, showing up for my restaurant shift at 4 p.m., and spending time job searching during the day. It's not flashy. It's not glamorous. But it makes me feel secure and grounded.
I’ve also learned that joy doesn’t always come from faraway places. It’s in the moments I spend with close friends or the satisfaction of a productive day. Those things give me the same emotional high as a boarding pass might.
Eventually, I want to travel again maybe I’ll go back to the city where I studied abroad, or post my own vacation highlights one day. But for now, I’m happy right where I am: building a strong, steady foundation that will let me enjoy all those future adventures without feeling lost when I return.
And that, to me, feels like real freedom.
