How To Take A Leap Towards Your Passions (It’s Not As Scary As You Think)

I have had a few existential crises in my time. Many of which have sparked a potential career change and a pivot.

To be honest, it’s pretty cooked that we have to make such gnarly decisions at the tender age of 17 or 18. Making a decision that will affect the “rest of their lives” - like, you choose one path and that’s it? Am I really stuck here for the next 50-odd years? Short answer: no.

I was working in a job I studied for three years. I set goals, I rose the ranks, I was succeeding. I achieved almost everything the 17-year-old me set out to do. Only problem was, I felt I had no real purpose. During one of my emotional breakdowns I asked myself, “If I died tomorrow, would I have made a difference to the world, or anyone?”.

The answer was no. I wasn’t happy or fulfilled. I was so consumed by this need to satisfy my teachers, my peers, my colleagues, the LinkedIn community and 17-year-old me that I lost sight of what I was truly passionate about: helping people.

It was like the carpet was ripped from under my feet. Does this mean I have to start all over again? Have I just wasted six years of my life? Am I back to square one now? Am I too old for this? Is this a mistake? But what if it isn't a mistake?

There's a reason you’re having doubts about your original career path. There's a reason why you’re feeling called to this fresh idea and to your passions. It's not uncommon for people to change their mind.

Things change, people change, we change. As we grow, our plans form to fit who we are and who we want to be.

Holy shit, this is scary. Am I really doing this?

If you’re currently going through your own existential crisis, or are penciling one in your diary as we speak, let us break down some steps and show you why taking a leap towards your passions isn’t as scary as you think.

Don’t put it off

This shit is scary, so it might never feel like the right time. That’s fine!

There’s never going to be a ‘perfect moment’. There will always be bills to pay, people to please, and deadlines to meet. Instead of looking for that perfect moment, start the process right now.

You might say to yourself “but it will take me three years to study Nursing..I’ll be 25 then”. Well guess what, in three years time, you’ll still be 25. Except you’ll be 25 and unhappy rather than a 25-year-old Nurse pursuing a new career.

Figure out what you want, make a plan, and make it happen. Now.

What if I fail?

You will fail. It’s rare people get it right on the first go.

Embrace failure and grab it by the horns. Failure is how we learn, grow, toughen up and achieve great things.

Is it too late?

There’s no age limit to pursue your passions. It’s never too late.

No matter how old you are when you feel that career change itch, you do you.

I don’t know where to start or what I want to do

What is your passion? What do you want from your career? What are you good at? What are you not good at? What would I need to study? Can I use any skills or qualifications I already have? Can I keep my job? Study around my job? What contacts can I make use of?

Write down your goals, ask questions, attend career fairs and expos *cough cough* the Year13 Expo, talk to professionals and friends in the field, and research as much as you can.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Put pen to paper and break each scary step down into a lot of little goals and make that plan.

The world is your oyster baby! 🥺