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Being young and trying
to build a career can feel like being handed a Rubik’s cube without
instructions. Everyone’s got tips—some helpful, others, not so much. This
article is the guide I wish someone handed me at 20. No fluff. Just real,
tested, let-me-save-you-some-heartache advice.
Let’s clear this up.
Career advice isn’t just about picking a job. It’s everything from figuring out
what you’re good at to learning how to negotiate your first salary without
breaking into a nervous sweat. Think of it like Google Maps for adulthood—you can
still choose your route, but it’s nice to have some guidance when you’re lost.
The job market isn’t
what it used to be. Our grandparents had careers. We have gigs, remote roles,
freelance contracts, and side hustles. Advice matters now because there are
more paths than ever—and more ways to get completely lost.
Good advice helps you
make smart choices before you’re neck-deep in student debt or burnout.
If you don’t know what
makes you tick, how can you expect to find a career that fits?
Take five minutes and
ask yourself: What are you good at? What do people always come to you for? What
topics make you lose track of time?
That’s the start.
Everything else builds from there.
Who told you that you
have to figure it all out by 25? That person was wrong. Try stuff. Take a
detour. Flip burgers if you have to. Every job teaches you something, even if
it’s just how to avoid it in the future.
You’re not supposed to
get it right on the first try. Mistakes? They're part of the deal. Some of the
best advice I ever got was, “Fail fast, fail smart.” What you learn after
falling flat will be more useful than any webinar.
Passion Is Great,
But Skills Pay Bills
Find what you love—but
also figure out what you’re good at and how it fits into the world. Loving
music doesn’t mean you have to be a rockstar. Maybe you’re meant to be a sound
engineer, or manage a studio, or write about music.
Sounds corny, but
understanding your personality type helps. Are you an introvert who loves
spreadsheets? Or an extrovert who thrives under pressure? Tests like MBTI,
StrengthsFinder, or Enneagram aren’t gospel, but they’re a solid place to
start.
You want experience
but nobody’s hiring. Classic catch-22. Here’s the hack: volunteer. It’s a foot
in the door, a chance to explore, and yes—something legit to slap on your
resume.
Networking doesn’t
mean schmoozing over wine in a suit. It means sending that DM, showing up to a
free webinar, or asking someone in your dream job how they got there. Be
curious, not creepy.
Mentors aren’t just
people with job titles. They’re guides who’ve been where you’re standing. Some
you’ll meet at work. Others might be a teacher, a boss from your side job, or
someone you found on LinkedIn. Don’t ask them for a job—ask them how they figured
stuff out.
Yes, even if you’re
still in school. Think of your LinkedIn as a personal billboard. Show people
what you care about. Share articles. Post your side projects. Be a real person,
not a robot with a bullet-point list of skills.
Everyone talks about
coding or Excel or Photoshop—but what about listening? Explaining stuff?
Staying calm when your inbox explodes? Soft skills are the secret sauce that
gets you hired and promoted.
No time or money for a
full course? Cool. Try YouTube. Udemy. Even TikTok has bite-sized tips.
Learning doesn’t have to mean debt. Pick a skill, and chip away at it a few
minutes each day.
Certifications can
open doors—if they’re the right ones. Don’t get ten just to look busy. Pick the
ones employers care about in your field. Google it. Check job ads. Ask people
already in the field.
If your only goal is
“be successful,” your brain won’t know what to do. Start small. Apply to one
job a day. Learn one new thing a week. Those tiny wins? They stack up.
You don’t need a
10-year plan with color-coded tabs. But do think big. Where do you want to be
in 5 years? Dream a little. Even if you change your mind later, it helps set
direction now.
You’re not a robot.
You can love your job and still need a break. Take your lunch. Sleep. Go
outside. You’ll do better work when your brain isn’t running on fumes.
Rest isn’t lazy.
Hustling 24/7 will leave you tired, bitter, and probably sick. Success isn’t
about being the busiest person in the room—it’s about knowing when to pause.
Didn’t get the job?
Messed up a project? Welcome to the club. Everyone you admire has failed,
probably more than once. Own it. Learn from it. Then get back out there.
You started college as
a pre-med. Now you love graphic design. That’s not failure. That’s growth.
Don’t stay stuck just because you already invested time or money. It’s your
life, not a sunk-cost spreadsheet.
Got a creative itch?
Start something on the side. A blog, an Etsy store, a YouTube channel. Side
hustles let you experiment without the pressure. Bonus: they might lead to
full-time gigs.
You already have a
brand—it’s just what people think when they hear your name. So why not shape
it? Your online presence should reflect your values, your skills, and your
voice.
The people who thrive
aren’t always the smartest—they’re the most curious. Ask questions. Try new
tools. Read weird articles. The more you learn, the more valuable you become.
Don’t chase paychecks
you hate waking up for. Ask yourself: does this job align with what matters to
me? Culture, mission, flexibility—they’re just as important as salary.
If Sunday nights feel
like doom, you might need a change. If your gut’s screaming “run,” listen. A
paycheck isn’t worth your peace of mind. There’s always another path.
You don’t have to play
dirty, but don’t ignore the game. Pay attention. Learn how decisions are made.
Be kind, but don’t be a doormat. And remember: integrity always wins long term.
Financial freedom
starts small. Use apps like YNAB or even just a savings jar. The habit is more
important than the amount. Future You will be grateful.
Don’t pretend to know
everything. Nobody does. Asking questions shows you care—and it’ll make you
smarter, faster.
Finished your first
project? Landed your first interview? Brag a little. Momentum builds from small
wins. Let yourself feel proud.
Some people climb
ladders. Others build bridges. There’s no single blueprint. The only thing that
matters is that your path feels right for you.
Here’s the truth:
nobody has it all figured out—not even the ones who look like they do. What
matters is staying honest with yourself, being open to change, and showing up
again tomorrow. Careers aren’t built in a day. They’re built day by day.
If you’re a young
adult trying to figure out your career, know this: You’re not behind. You’re
not alone. And you’re definitely not stuck. There’s no one way to do this. Just
keep learning, stay flexible, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Because, believe
it or not, you’re doing better than you think.