Tales of a 20-Something Career Changer

“Career change? You’re too young!”

“You’ve already invested so much in this, stick to what you know.”

“You’ll never find a job you love, very few are in professions they love. People have jobs that pay the bills and that’s enough.”

So I’ve been told. By several people. Several times. On several accounts.

As a young 20-something career changer, I dutifully listened to every concern, evaluated every cautionary tale, and heeded the advice of those who have travelled the path before me. I welcomed the advice with open arms, because at the core of every comment was genuine concern and wisdom from years of experience.

Undoubtedly, there were times I didn't enjoy being on the receiving end of the advice given, especially when unsolicited. Yet, my greatest concern was not in the words received, but rather reflecting on the words I would one day offer a young bright-eyed 20-something worker seeking the right career path. Would my advice err on the side of caution by emphasizing the value of job security or would it advocate the importance of finding one’s purpose for the greater good of an optimally functioning society?

I'm not implying that one of these options is more desirable than the other. Honestly, I am not completely convinced they are mutually exclusive either. The intersection of personal passion and societal need is not a new concept and has been extensively discussed far and wide in much more sophisticated forums. My personal belief in this matter delves into a much more simplistic and yet challenging notion. The notion of choice.

Whether income security is valued more highly than creative freedom or not, ultimately that's a personal choice that differs from one individual to another. An individual’s decision to choose one or the other (or a combination of both) should not be casually dismissed as imprudent, but rather be recognized as a reflection of his or her differing aspirations. Acknowledging that we all have been given the freedom to choose should be a cause for celebration, rather than condemnation.

In an ideal world, everyone would be granted the ability to choose their ideal careers. However, our world is far from ideal – a truth confronted by little opposition. The ability to choose is not only a privilege but more importantly, a responsibility. A responsibility that I haven't taken lightly as I embarked on this career changing pursuit.

So here we are, at the end of a chapter and the beginning of another. Join me as I explore the lessons and skills learned from my past work experience, my current endeavours and undertakings, and finally my future hopes and aspirations.

Welcome to the tales of a 20-something career changer.