Career Confessions Part 2: Learning from the Past & Setting Up My Future

3 Steps to Setup Career Success in My 30s

Let’s get real for a second: being a career-focused millennial woman comes with its own set of challenges. Raised by a badass single working mom, I've always had a front-row seat to the hustle and grind. Like many of us, I’ve been conditioned to "lean in" and smash through those proverbial glass ceilings. But as inspiring as these mantras are, they’ve also left a generation of thirty-somethings feeling exhausted, lost, and—let’s be honest—totally burned out.

So, as I navigate my career in my thirties, I'm redefining what success means to me. Sure, I want to continue growing and making bank, but I also crave a sense of peace and contentment that doesn’t involve sprinting on the hamster wheel of life. It doesn’t always have to be a rat race, and that’s okay.

In this candid piece, I'm spilling the tea on the three crucial steps I’ve taken to turn the lessons from my 20s into a blueprint for a more balanced and satisfying career. From reflecting on past mistakes (yep, we all have them) to setting fresh, realistic goals, and crafting a killer career roadmap, I'm sharing the moves that are helping me find my groove. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into how to embrace your past, own your present, and boss up your future—all with a dash of that signature Messy Millennial flair.

Reflecting on Past Mistakes

Let’s face it: we all have those cringe-worthy career moments we'd rather forget, but owning up to them is where the magic happens. Reflecting on my past mistakes—whether it was taking a job for the wrong reasons or not standing up for my worth—has been an enlightening process. It’s not about beating myself up over what went wrong; it's about acknowledging those missteps and using them as a compass to steer clear of similar pitfalls. By embracing my career blunders, I’ve gained a clearer sense of what I truly value in a job and the kind of professional I want to be. It’s a little tough love, but it’s been crucial in setting a solid foundation for the future.

Setting Fresh, Realistic Goals

After some serious self-reflection, it’s time to set some new, fresh goals that actually align with who I am now—not who I thought I had to be. Gone are the days of chasing every shiny opportunity or trying to fit into some pre-packaged mold of success. Now, I’m all about setting goals that are ambitious yet attainable, and most importantly, true to my authentic self. This means being clear about what I want to achieve in my career, whether it’s a certain salary, a role that fuels my passion, or even better work-life balance. By focusing on what truly matters, I’m not just setting goals—I’m setting myself up for long-term happiness and fulfillment.

Crafting a Killer Career Roadmap

With my goals in check and my past mistakes as a guide, it’s time to put it all together with a killer career roadmap. This isn't just a to-do list; it's a strategic plan that outlines how I’m going to achieve my professional dreams while keeping my sanity intact. It involves mapping out key milestones, setting deadlines, and even planning for potential setbacks. But it’s not all work and no play—I’m also building in time for self-care and personal growth, because being happy and healthy is a non-negotiable part of this journey. This roadmap is my blueprint for success, a personalized guide to help me navigate the ups and downs of my career with confidence and clarity.

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As I step into my thirties, the lessons from my twenties are becoming invaluable tools for shaping a more intentional and fulfilling career path. By reflecting on past mistakes, I've gained a deeper understanding of what I truly want and need in my professional life. Setting fresh, realistic goals has allowed me to align my ambitions with my authentic self, ensuring that my aspirations are both meaningful and achievable. Finally, crafting a killer career roadmap has given me a clear, strategic plan to reach those goals while maintaining balance and well-being.

This journey isn't just about career growth; it's about embracing the journey, learning from each experience, and finding contentment in the present while striving for a better future. As I continue to navigate this path, I’m excited to see how these steps will not only lead to professional success but also a richer, more balanced life. Remember, it’s not always about racing to the top—sometimes, it's about enjoying the climb and finding joy in every step along the way.