If I could go back to the day I started my career, I wouldn’t change my background, my degree, or even my first job. What I would change is how I thought about my career.
Seven years ago, I believed success came from following a straight line:
Degree → Job → Promotion → Stability.
Reality taught me something very different.
Today, I work remotely in an agency, run my own blog, and help others navigate their early careers. I’ve spoken with recruiters, managers, freelancers, and freshers. And if I were starting again, here’s exactly what I’d do differently—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
1. I’d Stop Waiting to “Feel Ready”
I wasted months thinking I needed to know everything before applying for jobs.
You don’t.
You will never feel 100% ready. I wasn’t. None of my successful friends were. Readiness comes after action, not before it.
If I were starting today, I’d:
- Apply even when I meet only 60% of the requirements
- Start projects before mastering the theory
- Accept that confusion is part of growth
If you’re waiting for confidence, skills, or permission—this is your sign. Start messy. Start scared. Just start.
2. I’d Build Skills Before Chasing Job Titles
Early in my career, I cared too much about job titles:
“Executive.”
“Manager.”
“Specialist.”
Now I know better.
Titles don’t build careers. Skills do.
If I could reset:
- I’d focus on learning one valuable skill deeply (SEO, paid ads, data analysis, content, coding—anything)
- I’d build small projects to prove my ability
- I’d document everything I learn
Your salary, freedom, and growth will always depend on what you can do, not what your designation says.
3. I’d Create a Portfolio From Day One
I underestimated this badly.
A portfolio speaks louder than any resume.
If I were starting again, I’d:
- Create a simple website or Google Drive folder
- Add personal projects
- Write case studies—even for unpaid or practice work
- Show results, not just certificates
When you show proof, you stop begging for opportunities. Opportunities start finding you.
4. I’d Stop Comparing My Journey With Others
Comparison quietly destroys motivation.
I compared myself to:
- Friends earning more
- People getting promotions
- LinkedIn success stories
And every time I did, I felt behind.
Here’s the truth I learned too late:
Some people start early.
Some people start slow.
Some people change paths.
But the only race that matters is you vs yesterday’s you.
If I were starting today, I’d measure progress like this:
- Did I learn something new this month?
- Did I improve one skill?
- Did I take one uncomfortable step?
That’s real growth.
5. I’d Take My Mental Health Seriously
Burnout is real. Self-doubt is heavy. Loneliness in remote work is common.
I ignored this in my early years.
Now I know:
- Rest improves performance
- Breaks increase clarity
- Saying “no” protects long-term success
If you lose your health, no career is worth it.
Your career is a marathon. Not a sprint.
6. I’d Network Earlier (Without Feeling Awkward About It)
I thought networking meant “using people.”
It doesn’t.
It means learning from people.
If I were starting again, I’d:
- Talk to professionals on LinkedIn
- Ask questions without fear
- Join communities
- Share my learning publicly
Most opportunities in my career came from conversations, not job portals.
7. I’d Stop Treating Failure Like the End
I took rejections personally.
No replies.
Interview failures.
Low-paying work.
Now I see them as tuition fees.
Each mistake taught me:
- What skills I lacked
- How to communicate better
- What kind of work I didn’t want
Failure didn’t stop my career. Quitting would have.
8. I’d Think Long-Term, Not Just Monthly Salary
In the beginning, I chased money.
Now I chase:
- Freedom
- Skill growth
- Remote flexibility
- Meaningful work
Money followed naturally.
If I were starting again, I’d choose:
Learning > Comfort
Growth > Stability
Skills > Short-term salary
Final Words – From Me to You
If you’re confused, scared, or feeling behind—good.
That means you care.
I didn’t have clarity at the beginning. I had doubts, pressure, and uncertainty. What changed everything was not luck or talent—it was consistent action.
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need to know everything.
You just need to take the next small step.
And now I want to hear from you.
Where are you in your journey right now?
What’s your biggest fear about your career?
If you could ask someone with 7 years of experience one question—what would it be?
Write to me in the comments. I’m listening.
Let’s grow together.
I am feeling motivated and confident after reading your article. Yes I can do anything now.
Yes, You can do anything. Thanks for the comment