I decided I would put off the novel until I had gone to Europe and had a lover, and that I would never learn a word of shorthand. If I never learned shorthand I would never have to use it.
In "The Bell Jar," the narrator expresses a desire to delay working on her novel until she experiences life more fully, particularly by traveling to Europe and engaging in a romantic relationship. This reflects her longing for adventure and personal growth before committing to her writing aspirations.
Additionally, she resolves against learning shorthand, believing that by avoiding this skill, she can evade the pressures and responsibilities tied to conventional jobs. This decision highlights her struggle with societal expectations and the desire for creative freedom over traditional career paths.