Why It’s Okay to Be Confused in Your 20s

 

Nobody really tells you that your 20s are one giant question mark.

You graduate (or maybe you’re still studying), everyone around you seems to be “figuring it out,” and you’re just… floating. Some friends get jobs. Some move abroad. Some are starting businesses or getting married. And then there's you — stuck between tabs of LinkedIn, Pinterest dream boards, and freelance platforms, wondering what you’re supposed to be doing.

Let me just say it plainly: it’s okay to feel confused.

In fact, it’s normal.

Nobody Has It All Figured Out — Even If They Pretend To

You’ll meet people who seem like they’ve cracked the code. Great job. Side hustle. Clean room. Green smoothies. Don’t let that fool you.

Most of us are figuring things out as we go. You’re not behind — you’re just comparing your inner chaos to someone else’s highlight reel. Everyone’s winging it in some form. Some people are just better at pretending it’s going smoothly.

Confusion Means You’re Thinking — And That’s Good

You’re questioning your career, your choices, your relationships. That means you care. That means you’re trying.

Wouldn’t it be more concerning if you were just coasting through without stopping to think?

Here’s what helped me:

• Writing it out. Journaling sounds cheesy, but seeing your thoughts on paper is powerful. You start spotting patterns.

• Trying things without commitment. One-month internships, online courses, small gigs. Treat life like a test kitchen.

• Letting go of pressure to “pick one path.” Your major isn’t your destiny. Your first job won’t be your last.

You Can Build As You Go

You don’t need a master plan to make progress. I didn’t know what freelancing would lead to when I started. I just wanted to earn a little extra. And that small step taught me confidence, communication, and time management — things no class had ever really drilled into me.

Even if you’re not “on track,” you’re learning. You’re experimenting. That’s growth.

The Truth: Life Doesn’t Move in Straight Lines

Careers zigzag. Interests change. People evolve. You’ll try stuff you hate. You’ll love things you didn’t expect to. You might spend a year doing something random and still come out with lessons that help you five years later.

It’s not wasted time. It’s data.

So Here’s the Real Talk

If you’re confused, unsure, stuck, overwhelmed — welcome. You’re doing it right. You’re asking questions. You’re refusing to settle. That’s not failure — that’s movement.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to keep going.

One small step. One gig. One honest conversation with yourself. That’s enough for now.

And trust me — five years from now, you’ll be glad you didn’t rush the process.