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Is it normal to be anxious about the future in your third year of university? Compromise on mediocrity or break through yourself?

undergraduate second-tier university Chinese language and literature career development teacher's exam
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Is it normal to be anxious about the future in your third year of university? Compromise on mediocrity or break through yourself? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

Because I am an undergraduate student in a second-tier city in a private second-tier university majoring in Chinese language and literature. All of my former classmates from junior high and high school have entered first-tier universities.

Everyone says they want to go to graduate school. I'm afraid that the gap between them and me will get bigger and bigger after graduation.

But I don't want to take the postgraduate entrance exam (because of the psychological pressure and the possibility of failing). I'm very anxious about what I really want to do.

I really hope I can turn the tide. I can choose the right track.

So I posted a lot of articles on Xiaohongshu about the pros and cons of the profession of a teacher, and the pros and cons of the profession of a journalist that I was interested in, seeking advice from strangers and hoping to absorb some experience about career development. I worked two part-time jobs during the holidays and decided that I might become a teacher in the future.

I gave up on the postgraduate entrance exam and took the teacher's exam. But I'm still very anxious and scared.

The thought of future academic anxiety and inferiority will accompany me for the rest of my life. I will become an elementary school teacher, stable and stable, and spend my life by my mother's side.

I don't have the means to go out and explore, and I'm afraid I'll regret it. I'm not willing to settle for being so ordinary and stable.

I like to travel, and teaching gives me plenty of time off to do so. But I also like innovative work.

The work of a teacher is the same every day for ten years, and it doesn't fit this description. I don't know if I should compromise and accept my mediocrity and imperfections.

Or should I break free from my anxieties and boldly pursue what I want?

Quentin Quentin A total of 1177 people have been helped

Dear Questioner, I commend you for your concern about your future. It demonstrates your maturity and willingness to take responsibility for your decisions. I am Listening Dolphin Floats, a psychological counselor with limited expertise in career planning. However, I have a wealth of experience in navigating life's challenges. I will address your question and hope it provides some guidance.

I am currently in my third year of college and am experiencing some anxiety about my uncertain future.

In fact, after completing high school, we have refined our practical abilities. Without theoretical knowledge, we can also learn practical skills and be competent for many jobs in social life. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for many college students, postgraduates, doctors, masters, and even parents to become "old-age-dependent." Why is this? Have you ever considered the reasons behind this trend?

It is important to note that a high degree does not necessarily correlate with a good life.

It is evident that you are a playful individual with a keen interest in pursuing a career in teaching. This aligns well with your playful nature and allows you the opportunity to engage in leisure activities. However, you are apprehensive that the work of a teacher may be tedious and uninteresting. This has led to a state of inner anxiety. Is this an accurate assessment? How long have you been experiencing this concern?

Please provide the number of individuals in your family and their respective occupations. Your inquiry suggests a tendency to compare yourself with others. Could you please elaborate on this?

Were you compared to others when you were younger? Our country requires talent in all sectors.

Regardless of your chosen profession, there will be an opportunity to excel.

Teaching is not as uninteresting as it may appear. It is important to find joy in one's work.

Are you prepared to proceed?

Please let me know if I should proceed with the following proposal. Best regards,

I am unsure whether I should compromise and accept my current level of performance and shortcomings, or whether I should break free from my anxiety and pursue my goals with greater boldness.

From my reading of this passage, I believe you may be a perfectionist.

And you are aware that you are ordinary and imperfect. We require a stable life.

Only then can you gradually pursue your desired objectives. I believe your decision to become a teacher is a sound one.

You may wish to consider using your vacation time to pursue innovative hobbies and research. There is a growing need for innovation and research in the teaching profession.

It is worth noting that modern society is replete with material goods.

As a result, children growing up today have never experienced hardship or suffering. They are also more challenging to discipline.

I am unsure if you utilize the TikTok platform.

The academic year commenced in September. Many elementary school teachers on TikTok employ diverse teaching methodologies to pacify their first-grade pupils, who have recently commenced their studies.

The individual who left the most significant impression on me was a middle-aged, pot-bellied primary school teacher of Mediterranean descent.

He begins his workday with a brief, calming dance to help the newly promoted first graders in his class relax before the start of class.

This teacher has fostered a strong rapport with his students through his actions.

The majority of first-year primary school students are eager to attend school. However, a significant proportion of this age group displays reluctance to engage in learning activities.

This year, my nephew has just started first grade. He is currently exhibiting a pattern of non-compliance with the established school schedule.

Such behavior is a significant challenge for parents and educators alike.

As the adage goes, "360 degrees of work leads to success, and even the most menial tasks must be completed."

It is important to note that all work is visible at a glance, as it is done in a repetitive manner, day after day.

It is inevitable that even the most patient individual will become bored and resent their work.

If you lack other skills, you may need to consider alternative options to ensure your survival. One potential avenue is to carve out a niche for yourself in the field of teaching.

Do you have the courage to give it a try? When you are ready, you will also overcome your inner anxieties.

Please advise.

One Psychology World and I Love You.

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Phoebe Woods Phoebe Woods A total of 6362 people have been helped

Hello, From what I can gather from reading your description, I can sense that you are facing some difficulties and confusion.

In your current state, it may be challenging to choose between compromise and breakthrough, and to prioritize your own needs and values.

It might not seem like the most productive approach, but it's a valuable way of thinking.

By comparing yourself to others, you may feel that you are not quite at the same level as them and that you are not ready to take the postgraduate entrance exam.

I believe you have your own reasons, and I respect that.

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider the value of comparing yourself to others. Do you find it motivating, or does it cause you distress?

It's natural to compare ourselves to others, especially when it comes to things like educational background. However, it's also important to recognize our own strengths and abilities.

Perhaps it would be beneficial to strive to be the best you can be.

Life is always changing, and there will be many choices and sacrifices. I believe that by being true to yourself, you can achieve your true potential, rather than living in the shadow of others.

Regarding the choices you mentioned, it seems that you may not have your own criteria for judging, which could be contributing to your difficulty in choosing.

You might consider trying this:

1. Perhaps it would be helpful to list your options and then compare their advantages and disadvantages in turn. By advantages and disadvantages, I mean whether they meet your needs and interests.

It might also be helpful to list the possibilities for achieving them.

2. Perhaps you could give yourself a reason not to regret it. Whatever choice you make, it will be the one that best suits your values.

To avoid any future regrets, it would be wise to give yourself a firm and unshakeable reason.

3. Consider sorting out your needs and wants. You may find that there are more options than you initially thought. It could be helpful to think more about what you want, and in extreme cases, what you can give up. In other words, it might be beneficial to identify what is most important to you and what you care about the most.

Life changes every day, as do our choices and our ideals. Everything is in a state of flux. Only you know what you want and what you want most, and you can make choices that suit you.

It would also be wise to consider the objective reality of the current situation. Ideas and practices that are not grounded in reality may not be as effective as they could be.

I wish you the best of luck!

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Comments

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Preston Miller Hard work and diligence are the twin pillars of accomplishment.

I totally understand your concerns. It's tough comparing yourself to others who seem to be on a more straightforward path. But remember, everyone's journey is unique. Maybe instead of focusing on the differences, you can find value in the experiences that make you stand out. By choosing to become a teacher, you're not settling; you're opening doors to influence and inspire young minds. Plus, teaching doesn't have to be mundane. You can bring innovation into your classroom and make every day different.

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Zeus Anderson A learned mind is not content with surface - level understanding.

It sounds like you've already made some significant steps towards figuring out what you want. Choosing to teach while still having the passion for travel shows that you're finding a balance between stability and adventure. Sometimes we need to accept where we are now to grow from it. Perhaps you could look into professional development opportunities within teaching that allow you to explore new ideas and methods.

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Euphemia Anderson Learning is a journey of the spirit as well as the mind.

Feeling anxious about your choices is completely normal, especially when you're at a crossroads. But it seems like you've done a lot of soulsearching already. Your decision to teach might just be the right fit for you. Consider how this choice aligns with your interests and values. And don't forget, nothing is set in stone. If teaching isn't fulfilling after a while, there will be other paths you can take.

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Amethyst Davis Life is a song of hope, sing it loud.

You've got so many interests and passions, and it's great that you're thinking deeply about your future. Becoming a teacher doesn't mean you have to give up on being innovative or adventurous. Look for ways to incorporate creativity into your teaching. Also, consider joining professional communities or networks where you can share ideas and collaborate with other educators. This way, you can keep growing and evolving as a professional.

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August Anderson We grow through the pain, through the joy, through the everything.

Your reflections show that you're very thoughtful about your career and personal growth. While it's okay to feel uncertain, try to focus on the aspects of teaching that excite you. The fear of regret can be paralyzing, but by making a conscious decision based on what feels right now, you're already taking control. Embrace the possibility that teaching can offer you a stable base while allowing room for exploration and innovation.

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