If you are reading this, you're probably already familiar with the concept of "FOMO." FOMO (fear of missing out) was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013, making it officially known to the world that we’re all consumed by thoughts of “what if’s”.
Technology and social media make it simple to see what your “friends” are doing. We can instantly see statuses and photos of our friends and family out to dinner or at the bar without us, making our plans of staying in on a Friday night after a long week at work seem almost unbearable because we’re missing out on all the action.
Just because it was posted on social media doesn’t mean you are missing out. Think about it, how much fun can someone be having if they have enough time to post it on there? The thing about Instagram and Facebook is that you only get to see what people choose to show you.
As Forbes said so eloquently:
“We will always be missing something, but if we’re spending our time worrying about it, we’re missing everything.”
At one time or another you have probably wanted something someone else had. A career? Home life? Nightlife? Stop wanting what others have and make a life that other people want instead. Make a life where you are too busy living it to post about it.
Freeing yourself from career FOMO allows you to focus on your current job and career. If you are constantly checking job boards or checking to see what companies offer the best perks, you aren’t really giving the job you have a chance to compete. Whether your current job was your first choice or 51st choice, you applied for the position for a reason. Give it a chance!
A lot can be said of being present where you are now. Create your own definition of what you want out of your life or career and work towards that instead of constantly wishing for what someone else has. The grass is always greener!
The fear of missing out, ironically, causes you to actually miss out! Before you become consumed by what others have, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you being sensible with your social media?
- Is this something you really want to be doing?
- Is this even feasible for my situation right now?
Be confident with your choices and know that if they don’t work out, you also have the choice to change paths. Not for your FOMO, but because you are capable of creating a life where you aren’t just daydreaming about something that could be.
