Where do you see yourself in 20 years? A steel town factory worker who wants to dance? A stuntman? A ninja? Prime Minister of our fine country? Like many of you, I find this a very daunting question.
It’s Monday of week four of uni and I have finally caught up on three weeks of lectures. My seventy-hour work weeks leave very little time to do anything else. I prioritised drinks with the boys, watching the footy and going for a multi-day hike, ahead of expanding my mind. These are the things I love, the things to live for, the things that bring me joy.
Would you rather sit through a two-hour lecture or enjoy a cold beer with friends?
I answered that by going to a mate’s housewarming party before carving up the dance floor in Brisbane’s city, leaving me with great memories but a sore head.
Would you rather do research for your critical analysis paper or go exploring?
Well, spending four days three nights in the granite belt of Queensland exploring the Girraween National Park was incredible and the views were TOTALLY worth it!
Why didn’t you spend last Friday night hitting the books?
Simple, my team, the Brisbane Broncos, beat the North Queensland Cowboys in a nail-biting rugby league game I couldn’t miss.
Does this sound like you? If the answer is ‘yes’, then we need to make a change… together! If you know where you want to be in 20 years, every step you take and every choice you make starts to pave the way to that future. I just turned the TV off, opened my books and put my beers back in the fridge (looking at them I whisper, “I’ll be back for you soon.”) University and homework have their own set of challenges, but time management is imperative. If you can tame this beast and strike the right balance, your future endeavours and career aspirations will be more than achievable.
In 20 years I will be a project manager in Environmental Conservation. My degree and experience coupled with my passion for the environment drives me and I just took the first steps to making that dream a reality.
So, ask yourself, “Where will you be in 20 years?”. Then take those first steps and walk with me. See you on the trail.
