If I could go back and redo college and the start of my career…
I wouldn’t change everything. But I would change how I approached it.
Because like a lot of people in their 20s, I didn’t really have a plan.
I just thought:
“Go to college, get a degree… and things will figure themselves out.”
They don’t.
What My College Experience Actually Looked Like
After high school, I didn’t jump straight into a 4-year college.
I went to community college part-time and worked full-time.
I was financially independent and living on my own, so I needed to make smart financial decisions first.
After two years, I transferred and double majored in:
- Equestrian Studies
- Business Administration
Horses have always been a passion of mine and was a part of my life growing up.
Business was my “backup plan” because it seemed like a suitable basic degree.
And if I’m being honest…
I didn’t think much about my career at all.
I just assumed:
“This will work itself out later.”
What I Got Wrong
There were a few big mistakes I made that I see a lot of 20-somethings making now.
1. I Didn’t Think Long-Term
I focused on:
- passing classes
- getting good grades
- finishing each semester
But I wasn’t asking:
“What does this actually lead to after college?”
There was no real connection between what I was doing in school and what my life would look like after.
2. I Treated My Degree Like a Hobby
This is a big one.
I chose one of my majors based on something I enjoyed—not something that would create a sustainable career.
And while passion matters…
Your career also needs to support your life.
3. I Didn’t Explore or Network Enough
I stayed in my lane.
I didn’t:
- explore different career paths
- talk to people in industries
- understand what jobs actually looked like
I wish I had gotten curious sooner. Because finding the right direction takes time.
4. I Didn’t Fully Understand Student Loans
This is something I really wish more people talked about.
I don’t regret my experience…
But I do regret not fully understanding:
- what student loans would look like after graduation
- how they would impact my future income and lifestyle
That’s a long-term decision, not just a college decision.
5. I Thought College Was the Only Path
It was pushed so heavily that going to college felt like the only option.
But now?
I see so many successful people who didn’t go to college, or who took completely different paths.
I wish I had explored that more instead of assuming:
“This is what I have to do.”
My First Job (Reality Check)
After I graduated, I moved to Texas to work for a high level dressage trainer.
It sounded like a dream opportunity.
Until I got there.
I was working A LOT of hours and only making a set amount per month. So once I calculated my hours to monthly stipend, I was making less than $5/hour.
Yes, I had free housing, but financially, it was not sustainable.
No benefits.
No PTO.
No long-term growth.
And that’s when I realized:
“Just because you love something doesn’t mean it should be your career.”
What Actually Changed My Path
After that, I moved back to Virginia and got a job as a teller at a financial institution.
That job, as meaningless as it seemed, changed everything.
Not because it was my dream job…
But because it gave me:
- structure
- experience
- opportunity
I stayed with that company and worked my way up into a training manager role.
It wasn’t always easy.
I struggled.
I applied for other jobs.
I thought about quitting multiple times.
But sticking with it helped me build:
- grit
- discipline
- real-world experience
And ultimately, it led me to what I’m doing now.
If I Could Go Back, Here’s What I’d Do Differently
1. I Would Treat My Life Like a Business
Not in a cold, corporate way. But in a strategic way.
I would ask:
- What careers can this degree lead to?
- What kind of salary do I want?
- What lifestyle do I want?
- What am I willing (and not willing) to tolerate?
Those answers matter more than people think.
2. I Would Choose My Degree More Intentionally
Not based on:
- what I enjoy in the moment
- what sounds interesting
But based on:
“Can this create a sustainable future for me?”
You can still have hobbies. They don’t have to be your career.
3. I Would Start Networking and Exploring Earlier
Finding the right career doesn’t happen overnight.
I would:
- talk to people in different industries
- ask questions
- shadow jobs
- explore options
Because clarity comes from exposure, not guessing.
4. I Would Focus on Skills, Not Just Grades
Grades matter. But they’re not everything.
I would focus more on:
- real-world skills
- certifications
- experience
- anything that makes you more valuable outside the classroom
5. I Would Think Long-Term Earlier
Not in a pressure-filled way.
But in a:
“Where could this realistically take me?” way
Because the decisions you make in your early 20s compound.
The Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
If I could sit down with my 20-year-old self, I’d say:
You can have passions. You can have hobbies.
But your career needs to sustain you, grow with you, and support your future
Final Thoughts
If you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing with your life…
You’re not alone.
Most people don’t.
But the difference between staying stuck and moving forward is this: taking action and thinking more intentionally about your future
You don’t need to have it all figured out. But you do need to start asking better questions.
If You’re Feeling Stuck With Your Career
If you’re trying to figure out your direction, overwhelmed with options, or unsure what your next step should be…
That’s exactly what I help 20-somethings work through.