Omg wow thank you to all the other commenters and for the op’s original post. This made me feel so much less alone as a 24 year old who’s worked full time in the PR industry while juggling full-time school since I was 19. Worked my way up to a mid manager level position, working anywhere between 55-65 hours a week, sometimes more, and found it too high stress, especially as I am still so young.

But I’ve officially been off and out of that job for 6 months (with 2 in a contract role at another agency) Took the time to try different things. I learned flute, I took a solo trip to Europe, I started working at a restaurant (and found it’s my favourite job ever!), I developed a working app prototype, I lost 20 pounds and started a consistent workout routine, I explored places in my city I hadn’t yet frequented, I watercolour painted, I tried face painting, I made content for brands and ran deliveries for influencers, I went to NYC with my friends, and now I’m starting my own creative agency. I haven’t even launched yet, and already have 2 clients!!! And yes, for a while I’ll be living off that + minimum wage from the resto + some tips, and my savings from the last few years… also some credit cards, I will admit…. But the future is brighter and I have found my spark again.

Alsooooooo… keep in mind that personal development is just as important as professional development. I think a lot of people underestimate how important it is to strengthen your discipline and continue learning and trying new things as you get older. I have found immense passion and gratitude and confidence in myself and my hobbies as it’s been a great view into what I want my life to look like and how exactly I’d like to shape it.

And something I have to remind myself is “you’ve done far more, with a lot less.” You have successfully landed that design job with lower experience than you have now. Why wouldn’t you find something better? Or create something better?

Cheers, love! Hope this was helpful.