Executive Global Master’s in Management 2018 Alum, Shalini Prakash, shares her experience on millennial anxiety. Read more for why it’s ok to be ‘Clueless at 30’ when we feel stuck – be it in college or career or as an entrepreneur.
How confused do you feel in your teens, twenties, or thirties?
Your twenties can indeed be both the most exciting and frustrating years of your life. Some days you feel like the world is at your feet, other days you feel your feet are tightly tied up and you are unable to take a step forward.
I was in a similar phase in 2016; call it a quarter-life crises.
I wanted to take on a journey of self-discovery and learning. I yearned to immerse myself in a diverse environment, engage in stimulating conversations and learn through interactive experiences.
Explore your identity capital
Millennial anxiety is becoming increasingly common these days. So, when a person is in desperate search to find answers and meaning, it is best to venture on a journey to seek what clinical psychologist and author Meg Jay calls ‘Identity Capital’.
According to her, “Identity capital is our collection of personal assets. It is the repertoire of individual resources that we assemble over time. These are the investments we make in ourselves, the things we do well enough, or long enough, that they become a part of who we are.”
This is beyond the jobs and test scores.
Identity capital is the value a person has built up over time based on what they’ve invested into themselves. It is influenced by experiences and relationships that one shares with others such as friends, family, and even co-workers. It is the compost that makes room for growth. It is nourishment being added to an ecosystem of initiatives.
Identity capital is the value a person has built up over time based on what they’ve invested into themselves.
I followed this philosophy and wanted to go back to basics. In the pursuit of creating new experiences and learning outcomes, I chose to do my masters at LSE.
Go back to basics
Great schools like LSE build communities that support and inspire one another by asking questions in a supportive, safe environment. Students aren’t only encouraged to learn from one another, they’re encouraged to connect with people who are interested in similar things.
I’m always looking for an experience that could potentially equip me with specific skills and knowledge that can give me an advantage amongst my peers.
During my time at LSE, several conversations inspired me to understand the journey of my peers.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit for having different perspectives in the classroom is the well-rounded discussions that are introduced. This lends room to engage in debates and other valuable dialogues, that teach young minds how to express their opinions, debate respectfully and expand their range of understanding.
It opened the windows of my mind to new possibilities beyond my fixed mindset.
The chance to pursue your education alongside students from different cultures and walks of life can undoubtedly benefit everyone. Students who have the opportunity to study with students from other cultures and backgrounds will:
- Come away understanding others’ perspectives better than they otherwise would’ve been able to.
- Build deeper connections to individuals beyond their immediate circle.
- Be well-informed about a variety of cultures because they’ll be so much more aware of people outside their own realms.
I started capturing a lot of concepts, thoughts, and ideas during my time there – from social identity crises to Self Determination Theory. My research project/ thesis findings eventually became the central theme for my book, ‘Clueless at 30’.
My research project/ thesis findings eventually became the central theme for my book, Clueless at 30.
It’s ok to be ‘Clueless at 30’
‘Clueless at 30’ talks about the dilemmas of the young millennials – the dreams, aspirations and goof-ups. The book highlights different phases of our lives when we feel stuck or clueless – be it in college or career or as an entrepreneur.
It follows various milestones of our lives wherein the deep-rooted fear of not knowing what to do in life takes hold of our lives. My observations and learnings are coupled with amusing stories, making this a fun read.
Follow Shalini
Instagram: @shaliniprakash13
Linked In: Linkedin.com/in/shaliniprakash
Learn more about Shalini’s book ‘Clueless at 30’
Learn more about the Executive Global Master’s in Management programme.
