Dear Nadira,
I'm going to tell you something that you have been wondering for months. You have been busy organising and throwing away countless papers all over your room. At this point, you are probably drawing your 10th spider gram about your career path. You are confused and wondering what you want to achieve in life. Your mind changes daily - let's be honest it changes every second. You have no clue on what you want to do.
One minute you're interning at an Investment banks, the next News Outlets, fashion PR houses and magazines. I know you're beating yourself up for bouncing from one sector to the other. These experiences are good for you. You wake up feeling confused and you don't see this as good experience right now but believe me, it will help make a better and stronger you.
A letter arrived in the post, congratulating you an offer from a prestigious firm. Even though you've been reading the letter for hours and still can't believe it, deep down you know what you really have to do. You're wondering if you have the courage to say no - unsure whether you are wasting this opportunity. You have interned at leading corporate firms and hated all of them. In fact, you were miserable and dreaded going into work. You're questioning yourself and wondering if you will be supported if you pursue your passion: Stop overthinking it and don't worry. You have a great network of family and friends to guide you through every step you take, not to forget all of the mentors that helped you achieve your goals to get into university.
Accepting the job offer will be a cop out. It is the safer option. It will be easy for you to stay put because it is familiar and comfortable for you. Just imagine waking up every morning getting ready to go to a job you hate. Every morning of your internships was spent hiding behind the bed sheets, struggling to get up and go to a job you hate. YOU have the choice and YOU are in control. Waking up and having anxiety about going into work isn't the way forward. The thought of a career in this firm makes you shudder.
I'm going to tell you to do something that wished I did. Take a year out, enjoy life and stop worrying. The world is beautiful and full of new adventures. Take time out to find yourself. Have fun with your friends and stop thinking you have to know what you want to be. Just enjoy living. Live every day to the fullest and be who you want to be. Labels and titles don't define you. Your life is not just about having a career. It is about enjoying and making memories you will cherish forever. You have great opportunities in front of you and have the right to do what you want. The answer to your all your questions, is staring right at you. Following your dreams is hard work but if you enjoy it - go for it! You will work hard and achieve your goals. Anything is possible.
Would you believe me if I told you, that you signed a book publishing deal? Or that your dream of writing a book has becoming a reality? Your dreams will be fulfilled. Life is full of obstacles but it's important for you to enjoy life. The decision to reject your job offer will be the hardest thing you will ever do but in the long run you will be happy.
Love from Future Nadira xoxox