Take Time off

In the spirit of summer, where the days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter - thank goodness - it felt necessary to dedicate an article to the way in which we spend our time.

I feel like in this day and age young people are stuck between living life for today and not worrying about the future, and working non-stop and breaking your back with the intentions of building a stable life in the next few years. That's the debate between long term gain and instant gratification.

And while I agree that yes, in order to reap the rewards of what we have sown, sacrifice is imperative and there'll be periods of time where you say no and stay in more than you'll go out and enjoy, but if Covid-19 taught me anything it's that life can stop immediately. Life is not promised, and as you work day in and out saving for a 'rainy day', they all merge together, and when it's time to look back at periods in your life, you realise that it's just a blur

and you can't actually pinpoint specifics things because everyday you were just doing the same things.

Be good with your money; I'll never encourage being frivolous, but it's important to know and understand that money will come back. Invest in your life and your happiness. Despite all the things that it throws at you, life is what you make it and you are often responsible for curating your own joy. When I think about the things I skipped in the name of saving money, there are a lot of things I regret. Not going on that holiday, not going out for that meal or day out with friends - and I can confidently say I probably ended up using that money eventually on something dumb that I don't even remember. Memories are priceless, and 6 months after spending the money I'm sure you won't even notice the difference in your bank account.

Life is not guaranteed for anyone - and again without behaving irresponsibly - just enjoy your life and make those memories. Take that time off, go to that party and go on that holiday. Don't wait for people, because there are a lot of times were you'll be left waiting and disappointed.

Nobody thinks you're a loser for going for dinner or to a concert by yourself; if anything they probably admire your confidence, and you may even be inspiring them to do the same thing. It's a great way to make friends - at a concert or a festival for example (but always stay alert and be safe!) because you already know that you share common ground. Always staying with your friends can prevent you from putting yourself out there because you have already established that familiarity and therefore feel no need to create connections with other people.

While you're young and have few responsibilities, take the time you have now and make something of it. Create those stories that you'll tell to the people in your future right now, and believe it when I say that it's very possible to have networking opportunities while you're enjoying your life.

The majority of people who spent their lives dedicated to their work while leaving little room for enjoyment often have the same regret. Not seizing life by its horns and living it to the fullest while they could. Don't over exhaust yourself in the name of making a couple pounds; you're worth more than £15 an hour.

Create happy memories while you can.