You're Not Too Young to Start Over
At 18, 21, or 25, “starting over” isn’t failure—it’s normal. Early careers are prototypes. You’re allowed to switch majors, industries, or roles as you learn what fits. Here’s how to pivot without panic.
Step 1: Choose a Direction, Not a Destiny
- Pick a problem space (education, climate, health, design) instead of a perfect title.
- Write a 1-line hypothesis: “I want to solve X for Y using Z.”
Step 2: Turn Skills You Have into Proof You Need
- Translate tasks → outcomes: “managed Instagram” → “grew saves 28% via tutorials.”
- Build 3 small projects in 30 days: a case study, a demo, a teardown.
- Shadow/volunteer for 10–20 hours to borrow context quickly.
Step 3: Narrate the Pivot
LinkedIn / resume summary: “Switching from A to B. I create [result] for [audience]. Recent projects: [1–2 proofs]. Seeking [role].”
Step 4: Talk to Humans (Without Ick)
- “I’m exploring B. If you were me, what 2 skills would you sharpen first?”
- “What test project proves I’m useful to your team?”
Step 5: Keep a Runway
- Part-time or freelance to fund learning.
- Weekly target: 2 applications + 2 conversations + 1 shipped artifact.
Reframes When Doubt Shouts
- “Late” at 23? You’ll be “early” at 33 because you learned sooner.
- Experience compounds; pivots add perspective most people don’t have.
Final Thoughts
You’re not behind—you’re iterating. Pick a direction, make proofs, tell the story. Doors open for people who are learning in public.
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