One of my coaching clients recently reminded me just how powerful it can be to reflect and make changes early in your career. She’s a young professional from Taiwan who started strong – after graduating from university, she landed her dream job as a financial journalist.

It was everything she thought she wanted: fast-paced, respected, and impactful. She put her heart into it.

But something felt off.

Despite all her external success, she realised that her core values weren’t being met.

She had always felt she wanted to give back, to make a difference in people’s lives. Journalism had seemed like the perfect vehicle for that. But soon, she realised that writing about the world wasn’t enough – she wanted to be in it, helping people directly. So she made the brave decision that many people struggle with... she stepped away.

She’s now been accepted into a teaching program dedicated to serving rural and remote communities in Taiwan – areas where students are often left behind or don’t have the same access to quality education and resources as their peers in the cities. It’s a role built on purpose, compassion, and real connection – the kind of meaningful work that reflects who she truly is. Making the leap wasn’t easy, but she chose to act early, before expectations or time made the decision feel impossible.

Career dissatisfaction is far more common than we think. According to a 2023 Gallup report, only 23% of employees globally are engaged in their work. That means over 75% of people are simply going through the motions or actively disengaged. And research by Deloitte found that nearly half of all millennials have left a job because it didn’t align with their values or sense of purpose.

Imagine if we caught that early. Imagine if more young people felt they had permission to try something else before they got stuck.

The truth is, no degree or first job defines your future. Every experience adds to your skill set. Writing, storytelling, research, communication – all the tools my client built as a journalist will make her a better teacher. The career ladder is outdated. Careers now are more like rock climbing – you move sideways, up, around obstacles.

If you’re early in your career and something feels wrong, listen to that feeling.

Don’t ignore it. Talk to someone. Reflect. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

I’m incredibly proud of my client for tuning into her purpose and taking action. That’s what coaching can help with – giving you space to reflect, explore, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about making a shift, know this: you’re not trapped.

If this story resonated with you, I’d love to talk. Let’s explore what else is out there – together.