Anchor Your State of Mind in the Turbulent Sea of Career Development
The Three Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned in My First Five Years as a Professional
I was born a few years too late for the last bus out of the economic mess, like many of my peers. The economy is struggling, and it’s easy to point fingers — blame the rich, blame the powerful. For those of us in the 99%, especially Millennials, it often feels like our choices are limited to two paths: unemployment or precarious small contracts. Sometimes they’re short-term, sometimes underpaid, and occasionally even unpaid.
But, despite this, here I am — having left home and moved to Europe at 18, then spending years studying in Paris, followed by five more years juggling internships, consultancies, and short contracts. All this was just to build the career I dreamed of at the United Nations. I’m aware that, in many ways, I’m better off than others in my generation, and things could be worse. So, no, I can’t complain.
But swimming against the tide, especially for years on end, requires incredible strength and courage. Your arms will tire. Your vision will blur. And when that happens, what do you rely on? You need an anchor — a way to keep your perspective steady and hold your course.
In the end, career development boils down to one thing: persistence. The true competition lies in how long you can stay in the game, and that takes mental fortitude. Here are the three most important lessons that have kept me grounded, moving forward, and, above all, going.
1. One Step at a Time
Do not feel entitled. Just because you’ve earned multiple degrees — whether a master’s or PhD — doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed the job or salary you expect. It doesn’t automatically earn you respect or appreciation either.
Save yourself from disappointment. The direct path to success is a fantasy. In reality, it’s a series of stepping stones, each requiring effort, patience, and a strategic mindset. Seize every opportunity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Every short contract or part-time gig contributes to building your experience and credibility.
This often involves movement — between jobs, cities, and even countries. Ask yourself: is this a journey you’re ready for? It’s exhausting, but the rewards — skills, experiences, and personal growth — are enormous. Success isn’t achieved overnight; it’s a result of continually placing one foot in front of the other, no matter how slow the progress feels.
2. Focus on the Long-Term Prize
Don’t trade your talent for the illusion of security. Security can be a mirage, a false sense of comfort that convinces you that safety equals happiness. But true success doesn’t grow in comfort zones. In fact, the comfort zone can drain your ambition, stifle your creativity, and rob you of growth.
Science shows that happiness isn’t tied to material security but to self-fulfilment. The human brain releases chemicals that reward us when we face challenges and achieve goals. The thrill of overcoming obstacles is what drives us. So keep your eyes on the long-term prize — focus on the career you’re shaping, and let others play the short-term political games. Prioritize building your experience and honing your skills, because that’s what will truly elevate you in the long run.
Comfort may feel good for a moment, but profound satisfaction comes from growth, and growth is never comfortable.
3. Always Dare. Dare to be different.
In a world where conformity often feels safer, daring to stand out is an act of bravery. Take risks in your career. Don’t be afraid to apply for a job that feels out of reach, speak up in a room full of experts, or propose an idea that no one else is thinking about. Bold moves are the ones that shape careers and create lasting impact.
It’s not about reckless ambition; it’s about trusting your unique perspective and strengths. Many times, the people who advance the farthest aren’t necessarily the most qualified — they’re the ones who dared to push the boundaries of what was expected.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind, the pressure to “fit in” or “play the game,” but if you’re not taking risks, you’re not growing. And if you’re not growing, you’re stagnating.
In Conclusion
Navigating a career, especially in today’s turbulent economy, is no small feat. The path is rarely straight, and often, it feels like you’re swimming upstream. But with persistence, a long-term vision, and the courage to be bold, you’ll find your way.
Keep going, one step at a time. Trust that your efforts will pay off, even when the results aren’t immediate. Focus on the big picture, and don’t settle for temporary comforts. And most importantly, dare to be different. Success comes to those who are willing to risk being seen for who they truly are.