It’s safe to say we can all relate to the feeling that life is spiraling out of control – as if things aren’t going according to plan. At times it can seem as if life is happening to us, rather than being an experience that we get to engage with. It’s a frightening feeling, and the anxiety it evokes can feel all-consuming if you’re trapped in that cycle. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to prevent this from happening. By properly setting yourself up for success, you can alleviate your insecurities and ensure that if things do go wrong, you’re in a better position to get back on track.
Consider Your Education
Even if you’re planning on a career path which conventionally doesn’t require a college education, a degree can often open the doors to faster career progression. And, if there’s even a chance you might want to run your own business on any scale, majoring in a subject like Accounting, Marketing or Business is an excellent choice to help you develop the skills you’ll need. It’s also an opportunity to network and make connections. A college education is well worth the cost investment, and a student loan from a private lender can be a great option for financing your degree.
Get a Side Gig
One of the biggest sources of worry and insecurity is often money. One way to feel more secure is to find a second income stream. In today’s world, no job is guaranteed, so a part-time job, freelancing gig or even your own business, no matter how small, can truly help you feel safer. Just a few hours a week can be enough to significantly improve your financial security. Even if your main job is supporting you, the extra money can be set aside for a rainy day. Not to mention, if you do lose your main income, you won’t be completely broke. Your side hustles might not be enough to sustain you long term, but they can help keep the wolves from the door in a crisis.
Build Up Your Savings
That rainy day money? Make it a priority and part of your plan to shape up your money moves overall. Even if you can only set aside a few dollars each month, you will be immensely grateful when an emergency arises, and you can manage it without dipping into your food or rent budget. Along the same lines, make sure you’re putting something, no matter how small, away for retirement. It may seem like a long way off but living a little leaner now, in return for some financial security later, is not to be underestimated.
Get Insurance
While it might not seem like top of the priority list, setting up insurance is a smart move. Not only will you be protected if the worst should happen, just knowing that you have a backstop in place can help ease the anxiety and stress you might feel day-to-day. Similarly, if you can join a union, it may help you to feel more control over your options if a difficult working situation should arise.
Review Your Goals Regularly
Remember that idea that life is happening to you? The key to staying present in your own life is knowing what you want from it. If you don’t know your goals, you won’t know what direction to head in when life happens, and you find yourself lost in the fog. Don’t just set goals, though. Check in with them and see if they still fit your values and needs. Take pride in the progress you’ve made, and feel safe, knowing that while your goals can help you get what you want out of life, they are not set in stone. If they are not working for you, change them. It’s your life.
