Career Advice One Should Know At 20

Career Hacks I Wish I Knew In My 20s

Ah, the third decade of life – it’s like being handed a kaleidoscope of half-baked dreams, a fireball of enthusiasm, and a cocktail of grand visions, missions, and decisions. All while we’re fumbling our way from our 20s into the magical realm of 30s. For most of us, these years are like the ultimate life-defining combo pack.

Now, enter "thirsty thirty!" Yep, that’s what I call it because, let’s face it, my thirst for life? Unquenchable. Still got a long to-do list! So, for all the folks tipping into the golden 20s, here's a little wisdom I wish I had known back then. Without further ado (or further scrolling), let’s dive into it!

1. Opt for a Career That Makes You Jump Out of Bed, Not One That Just Pays More

Look, if you’re counting down to weekends by Tuesday and begging for holidays by Wednesday, that’s a problem. And no, “grinding through life” doesn’t deserve a badge of honor. Trust me, showing off your hustle for a career you secretly hate is so last decade.

Find that sweet spot where passion meets practicality, where you're itching to work because you love it – not because you’ve got to pay the bills. The dream? A career where you don’t even feel like you’re working, because it’s irresistible to your soul.

2. Be Honest on Your Resume – Keep the Jazz for Dance Floors, Not CVs

Yeah, you may be tempted to fluff up that résumé. After all, everyone does it, right? Wrong! Imagine the sweat beads when someone catches on to that "expert coder" claim during an interview – ouch! Keep it real. You don't want to be stuck dodging your own lies later.

3. Happy Life Comes With a Risk Tag – Take Them!

Your 20s are prime time to screw up – seriously! Take that leap, fall flat on your face, then get up again. Failures are like seasoning for life; they make the final dish taste better. Regrets? They’re the worst. So be bold, break a few barriers, and own your decisions. It's way better than living under someone else's definition of "success."

4. Apply for That Dream Job Even If You Don’t Tick All the Boxes

Sure, job listings make it sound like you need to be a superhuman with a gazillion skills. But guess what? Recruiters are often way more flexible than you think. You bring something valuable to the table even if you're not a walking checklist of requirements. So, go ahead, shoot your shot!

5. It’s Never Too Late to Hit ‘Career Refresh’

Plot twist: Your first career choice doesn’t need to be your last career choice. Hate what you're doing at 25? Cool. Hit reset. At 30? Still cool. The world won’t stop spinning. Don’t trap yourself in a job just because you “started” there. Keep experimenting – life's too short to settle.

6. Network Like a Pro – You Never Know Who's Your Golden Ticket

You know that whole “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” spiel? Yeah, turns out it’s 100% true. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a schmoozer. Just get out there – online or IRL – and build genuine connections. You never know when a random conversation turns into a life-changing opportunity.

7. Keep Updating. Keep Upgrading. – It's Your Career's Multivitamin

In the job market, standing still is basically falling behind. Your 20s are the time to soak up all the knowledge and skills you can. Always be ready to add a new trick or two to your toolkit. You don’t have to know it all – just stay curious enough to learn.

8. Reach Out to People You Admire (Yes, You Should!)

Send that email, tweet, or DM to someone you look up to. What’s the worst that could happen – they don’t reply? Big deal. But if they do respond, you’ve just scored advice from someone living the life you aspire to. A few wise words from someone who’s been there, done that, can make all the difference.

9. Don’t Let Your Job Define Who You Are

Listen, work is important. But you are not your job. Don’t let it consume you so much that your friends and family barely recognize you outside of work mode. Experience life beyond deadlines and meetings. Trust me, there’s a whole world out there, waiting to be explored.

10. Work Abroad – Expand Your Horizons (Literally!)

Travel changes you in all the best ways. Working abroad adds new flavors to your professional and personal life – and, no, it won’t always be a smooth ride. But hey, adventure never is! If you have the chance to go global, grab it. And if you don’t, make one!

11. Make Multiple Streams of Income – Because One’s Not Enough

In today's world, depending on just one job is risky business. Start something on the side – even if it’s small. You’ll thank yourself later when you've got more security (and more cash!).

12. Define Your Own Theory of Success

And finally, here’s the kicker: Success is whatever you want it to be. Forget the rat race. Success isn’t measured by society’s benchmarks, it’s all about your personal goals. Whether that means chasing the corporate ladder or writing poetry by a mountain – you do you. Because in the end, it’s your story to write.

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Embrace your journey, and don’t forget to take the scenic route!