It’s always around times of change that we are forced to reevaluate who we are. Having just finished my Masters, I am coming to terms with no longer being a student, having to change that portion of my identity and reset the balance of the rest. It’s a very odd sensation, feeling a bit lost and unsure of my place in the world. This isn’t helped by my upcoming trip away, travelling South America for 8 months, something fairly new to me. I mean, in the past I have gotten bored and overly restless over summer break, so aimlessly travelling for 8 months will be something completely different, especially as most of it is unplanned beforehand.

It’s been interesting, studying. Overall it was enjoyable, stimulating and albeit difficult, rewarding. So much so that I am still questioning whether it’s right for me to leave this part of it behind or whether I should pursue a PhD. It’s something I can come back to, but it feels unlikely that I will return once I have left. I’m not sure whether this indecisiveness is due to missing and liking that part of education, or whether is fear of the unknown next step, but it’s kinda sad. For the first time, I am approaching a world where academic merit isn’t near the top of people’s concerns. That isn’t to say it has no bearing. After travelling, I will be entering a competitive workplace with other high achievers, where I’m sure there will be some more of the same, but there won’t be the same effect of having a group of people in a class, moving through content together and struggling through the same load. IDK, it’ll be different, and something to experience.

I’m hoping this trip away will be good, forcing me to evaluate other parts of life. But it’s just so long and completely unknown. But then again, its sink or swim and diamonds are forged under pressure. I should have all I need ready for it, waiting on a visa to be approved. And my start date looms ahead, steadily approaching as I try to get everything here in order. At least if it doesn’t work out, I can always return home and try to start working earlier, given that visa is approved. It’ll be an interesting experience, travelling for a while and then moving to another country to work. Changing a lot at once, but I’m sure it’ll work.