My quarter-life crisis or what's next?

Yes, this exists (I Googled it, must be real). I am at the point in my life, where I can do whatever I want, but I am scared to do anything.

The past 23 years have been planned for me – elementary school, high school and then university. I knew what’s next and I knew what I had to do to achieve it. But now I have so many choices for the future that I am not sure which one is the right one. Do I continue my education and enrol for a master’s degree? Do I apply for a graduate scheme? Do I apply for a normal entry level job and start climbing up the career ladder?

So many questions and I do not have the answers for them. I know that many students experience my issues and have similar worries. And I understand that this anxiety about the future is a normal stage of everyone’s life. But I cannot help but wonder if I am making the right decisions.

There is one thing that I know for sure – PR is the career for me. I have no doubt in that. I loved my placement and I love my current job (although, it’s quite difficult managing studying and working at the same time). I love the feeling when I secure a coverage in the media. I like meeting new and exciting clients. It’s an industry that changes every day and I cannot wait to be part of it, but first I need to decide – what’s next?

Master’s degree
After three years at university, I am not running with open hands towards another degree. But I cannot get rid of the feeling that this might be a good option for me. In Bulgaria, my home country, having a master’s degree opens so many doors, so I might be partly biased. And my parents are keen on me continuing my education. I am considering a master’s degree only because I am not sure that I will ever go back to a university once I start working. I know that I cannot foresee the future, but I have this feeling that one dissertation in a lifetime is enough. But on the other hand, having a master’s degree gives you this additional expertise that you might need to go to a managerial position later. I am not saying ‘No’ to this option yet, so I have chosen few degrees to apply to just in case.

Graduate Scheme/Job
I think that graduate schemes that are 12 months, just like placements, are fantastic option for students like me. Students, who have no idea what to do with their lives. I like the rotational schemes, where you get the chance to work across different departments and gain knowledge about a variety of PR sectors. This way, you find out what you like and what you hate. But, unfortunately, there are not many companies offering these schemes. And I am not sure if a normal graduate job is for me. Of course, if I find some amazing opportunity in an agency that I really like, I will accept it. But what if I start working and then I never go back to university to do a master’s degree. My fear from the previous point will come and haunt me.

I have experience only in B2B PR and media relations. I haven’t worked in Consumer PR or any other sector, so I would love to try a different area of PR before choosing a master’s degree.

Around the world
I know that students take the time after university to travel and see new places. I would be lying if I say I don’t want to travel the world, but I don’t want to have that gap on my CV. It might be stupid, because you learn new things while visiting different places, but taking time off is not on my list. I would prefer to get a job at a global agency that will allow me to go and work at one of their offices in another country. Every day can be an adventure in the PR industry!
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Although, I am extremely happy that Harvard referencing might not be part of my life after June, I am scared. I am excited for the new challenges ahead, but I just hope that whatever decisions I make, they will turn out to be the right ones. But as soon as I choose an option, my life crisis might be over and a new chapter begins.