Struggle Bus

Mindset
Written By Sue Carmody

The “Struggle Bus” is Real

The "Struggle Bus" is real.

Has the "struggle bus" made an unscheduled stop near you?

It happens.

Transitions are hard regardless, and they seem to get even harder once the initial honeymoon dissipates, and the routine and cooler weather settles in.

I am namely thinking about our young adults:

  • acclimating to college

  • a first career launch

  • or navigating independent living and financial independence

Our young people want to be ready for their next big thing, yet it seems more like they are entwined in a "push / pull" scenario.

The push is that feeling of eagerness and readiness to launch and spread their wings, take some risks, and embrace this new chapter.

And the pull is that uncertainty and the unknown that can open up self doubt. "Am I ready? Do I have the skills I need? Am I organized and do I use my time well? Are my values clear? Do I have the emotional stability and maturity I need to go it alone?"

I'll say it again ... transitions are tough.

And this young adult transition is a BIG ONE!!

Young adults who are carrying social and emotional scars that accompanied them throughout the pandemic seem to be filling up a lot of seats on "our" bus.

The filled-to-capacity seating is a genuine bummer, and it truly makes me sad.

It is not uncommon for my inbox to “ding” shortly after Thanksgiving. Young people returning home from college or a new career launch and are out of sync. They have not quite found their footing, and are seeking more clarity and balance.

I often hear stories that center on:

  • loneliness

  • friendships

  • partying

  • social anxiety

  • academic rigor

  • study skills / test prep

  • procrastination

  • organizational skills

  • self advocacy

  • wrong fit / wrong seat on the bus

The list can go on …. and young adults are warranted in needing some supportive transition time, and some extra guidance to make these big life shifts successfully.

It's a lot!

Imagine a life shift that in short order moves you from:

  • dependent to independent living

  • top of the class to middle of the pack

  • knowing yourself to redefining who you want to be next

  • not fully responsible to 100% responsible for all of your decisions

  • having a syllabus to guide your week to having an open-ended, unstructured job descriptio

It’s vulnerable and courageous work.

Want to turn the bus around?

Maybe I can help?

I never know for sure until I initially meet with potential new clients and "we" feel that "click" to know if the work I do as a coach, and the work or goal each person is seeking is a match. But, what is that saying that I love so much?

"WE MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS WE NEVER TAKE"

Yes, it's cliche -- but I still like this mindset.

Sue Carmody
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