Career Advice I Wish I Had At 25

Remember when you were a teen and thought 25 was the pinnacle of adulthood? Mid-twenties sounded like the age when you’d have everything together; you pictured yourself busily climbing the corporate ladder or wading into the world of entrepreneurship without a worry. The reality? Career-wise, 25 is a pretty confusing age, since it’s squarely the time we have to stop asking ourselves “What do I want to be when I grow up?” and finally figure out how to make it happen. If you’re in your mid-twenties, keep this career advice in mind:

Now Is the Time to Be Selfish

For many folks, mid-twenties may be the last time they get to only think about “me, me, me.” Two kids and a white picket fence are often still a few years away, as are elderly, ailing parents who need to be cared for. In short, 25 may be the last time you get to be truly selfish with your career. If you’ve always wanted to work abroad or get a second degree, do it now! Plus, 25 is a good time to determine whether you want to switch up your current career in a big way, since you’ll have spent several years in your chosen field at this point. Yes, you can make a career change later in life, but doing so now when you have fewer responsibilities takes a bit of the pressure off.

“Do What You Love, Love What You Do” Is (Mostly) a Crock

You’ve heard the line so often in TED Talks (the motivational posters of today) that you’ve probably internalized it. “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is another popular one. But here’s the truth: It’s okay to not love your job, at least not all of the time. All careers, no matter how prestigious or how much they align with your interests, require some drudgery that you won’t enjoy, be it piles of paperwork, mountains of meetings, or tiring travel to tons of conferences. Don’t fall prey to career “FOMO,” thinking the grass is more fulfilling on the other side. Work is work — that’s why we get paid for it, and not the other way around.

You Should Quit That Terrible Job

There’s a big difference, though, between not always loving your job and pretty much always hating it. If you fall into the later camp, then quit. Do it. You’ll recover. Even though millennials have been stereotyped as the generation that loves to job hop, leaving behind a position (no matter how heinous) is still scary. But horrible bosses and a toxic work environment can not only hinder your career, but your health, too. If you’re concerned about leaving the job without having another one lined up, use these tips to start your new job search while you’re still in your old position.

Find a Mentor

At 25, we’re too young to know it all and (finally!) mature enough to admit it. That’s why it’s now crucial to find yourself a good mentor. Think about aligning yourself with someone who not only doles out solid career advice but is also high enough on the corporate ladder to advocate on your behalf, whether it’s putting in a good word about you to management when you’re up for a promotion or connecting you with the right stakeholders on projects or in departments your interested in learning more about. Yes, even when it comes to mentors, it’s not only about what they know, but who they know that can make a difference in your career.

They don’t call them your “tumultuous twenties” without a reason; during this time of your life, you’re bound to undergo rapid change — and your career is no exception. Embrace it! And if you’ve already got a decade or two of career experience under your belt, what do you wish you knew at 25? Share your career advice with us in the comments below.