Okay, let’s be real for a second. Career counseling? Sounds like one of those things your mom forces you to do when you’re lost in life, right? But hear me out—this isn’t your typical “follow these steps and you’ll succeed” spiel. This is about how I went from being a confused 20-something to actually loving what I do every day. Spoiler: it involved a lot of trial, error, and a few existential crises.
So, here’s the tea. I was that girl who changed her major three times in college. I started with psychology (because, hello, I thought I could read minds), switched to marketing (because I liked Instagram a little too much), and ended up in communications (because, honestly, I just wanted to graduate). By the time I got my diploma, I had zero clue what I wanted to do. Sound familiar?
Enter career counseling. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, how could talking to someone for an hour magically fix my life? But let me tell you, it wasn’t magic—it was clarity. My counselor didn’t tell me what to do; she asked the right questions to help me figure it out for myself. It was like having a mirror held up to my soul (dramatic, but true).
One of the biggest things I learned? Your career doesn’t have to be this linear, perfect path. I used to think I had to pick one thing and stick with it forever, but that’s just not how life works. My counselor helped me see that my skills and interests could translate into so many different fields. For example, my love for storytelling (and, okay, my obsession with social media) could lead to a career in content creation, PR, or even brand strategy.
But here’s the kicker: career counseling isn’t just about figuring out what job you want. It’s about understanding why you want it. For me, it wasn’t just about finding a job that paid well (though, let’s be real, that’s important). It was about finding something that aligned with my values and gave me a sense of purpose. I realized I wanted to work in a field where I could be creative, help others, and have the flexibility to travel. Once I had that clarity, everything else fell into place.
Now, I’m not saying it was easy. There were moments when I doubted myself and wondered if I was making the right choices. But having a career counselor in my corner gave me the confidence to take risks and trust my instincts. For example, I took a job at a startup that paid less than my corporate offers, but it gave me the opportunity to wear multiple hats and learn skills I never would have in a traditional role. That experience ultimately led me to where I am now—a role I love that combines my passions and pays the bills (thank goodness).
So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your career, here’s my advice: don’t be afraid to seek help. Career counseling isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re willing to invest in yourself. And trust me, you’re worth the investment.
Oh, and one last thing—don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. I used to scroll through LinkedIn and feel like I was falling behind because I didn’t have a “perfect” career path. But guess what? Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s what makes it beautiful. So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember: you’ve got this.