Bittersweet 20s

By Lee Sae-gil

The 20s may be some of the most ambivalent years of life. Older generations say people in their 20s can do whatever they want because they have time to redeem their failures. As most young folks see it, however, the 20s is the most difficult phase mainly because they do not know what they should do in the first place.

Whichever side may be closer to the truth, one thing seems certain: the 20s are the most hopeful, if undecided, a period of life. People are young, physically and mentally, and their youth can be a great driving force for them to do something, or anything.

Today many young people are spending this critical period only preparing for getting jobs. Right after entering in their 20s, many are bent on acquiring “specs” ― or specifications, like various features of a product on display - needed for landing jobs whether or not these jobs suit their likings and aptitudes.

This is of course not their fault. Opportunities for employment are growing scarcer, strangling younger generations and forcing them to make their resumes of specs fatter.

In this social atmosphere, it would be difficult to overcome their anxiety if they stop preparing for employment and begin to pursue other dreams instead. Sadder still, many of them do not, or cannot, have the idea of looking for something they “really” want to do

The “real” dreams of some in their 20s may be landing on jobs as early as possible. In this case, their struggles deserve some respects. However, a considerable number of students finally succeed in getting jobs just not to remain jobless. Many of newly employed do not have their values to work, and lose their true selves.

I have many friends working at large companies in various fields. Their existences as full members of society so influenced me once that I wanted to be like them. So I went to the library and studied to obtain certificates needed for employment. During the hottest days of last summer, from late July to early August, I gave up enjoying my vacation time and stayed in the school library all day long.

Then I saw some of my friends’ profile photos through a messenger. Most of the pictures were from their summer vacation spots and these images shocked me. They all went, as if by compact, to some Southeast Asian tourist attractions that have beautiful beaches. It seemed as if even their happiness was uniform in Korea’s social atmosphere, and this frightened me.

It may sound funny that I have changed my decision ― not by what others work but by what they play. Somehow, however, I decided to postpone my study and do whatever I want. Before my 20s pass me by, I will give a chance to my dream. Even if my challenge ends up in failure, at least I will be proud of myself for trying, at least once.

I think we, the 20s, should have the courage to dare to do something. We should be able to give an opportunity to the phrase, “Do what makes your heart beating.” Also, the satisfaction of life will be entirely different between those who tried to fulfill one’s dream at least once and those who did not.

The writer is student majoring in English literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He can be reached at saegil1216@naver.com.