The Myth of the 'Perfect' Career Path

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I ask myself this often, and if you are in the middle of a career pivot, it’s probably one you’ve been asking yourself lately. What are you looking for? What are you building? And most importantly—what do you truly want?

We’ve been conditioned to believe that there’s a “right” way to build a career. Go to school. Pick a profession. Climb the ladder. Retire.

HAAA – we all know that life doesn’t work like that. Most careers aren't a straight line, they are winding paths shaped by community, education, culture, experiences and so much more. The caregiving you’ve done, the illness you’ve battled, the side projects you’ve explored, the volunteer work that lit you up, the unconventional choices you’ve made—all of it has shaped you into the professional that you are today.

If you feeling especially stuck, lost, or like you’re “behind,” hear this, the key to moving forward isn’t finding a perfect plan—it’s experimenting.
 
Test Small Before You Go Big
Thinking about starting a business, changing industries, or stepping into a leadership role—but feeling paralyzed? You don’t have to dive in headfirst. Try before you commit.

• Offer your skills as a freelancer or consultant.
• Shadow someone doing what you’re curious about.
• Take on small projects that stretch your abilities.
  

Derick spent 25 years in a corporate job that drained him. “I wasn’t ready to retire, but I couldn’t do that soul-sucking work anymore.” He started volunteering, got involved in his church, and pursued a tennis coaching certification—just for fun.
One day, he realized he was turning away tennis clients because his schedule was full. “That’s when I knew—I had found my next thing.”

Your next step doesn’t have to be a leap. It can be a series of small, intentional moves that lead to something bigger.


Follow Curiosity, Not Just Credentials
If you’re only looking at jobs that match your degree or past titles, you might be boxing yourself in.

• Take a course in something that excites you.
• Pay attention to what sparks joy and energy.
• Say “yes” to new opportunities, even if they feel random.

Madeline followed the “traditional” career path—until she hit burnout. Instead of forcing herself to push through, she took a wild detour into culinary nutrition.
That shift led her to:
Coaching
Leading workshops
Speaking on stages
Hosting retreats
Mentoring young entrepreneurs
And a few more side hustles like destination pet-sitting, getting her real estate license, serving as a driver, and even learning candle making!

Eventually, the skills and connections she built along the way landed her a leadership role with a major chamber of commerce—helping other entrepreneurs succeed.

You don’t have to know exactly where your curiosity will lead—just trust that it will take you somewhere new.
 

Redefine “Failure” as Data
Career pivots are messy. They come with doubts, missteps, and plenty of “what am I even doing?” moments. But every setback is a lesson.

I know because I’ve lived it. I was forced out of a role I loved. It was devastating. It took years to recover from the trauma. But in that space, I rebuilt. On my terms. With more freedom, balance, and fulfillment than I ever thought possible.

Look back on your career—was there ever a time when a failure actually led you somewhere better?

“Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.” — Arianna Huffington
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison
“It’s not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up.” — Chinese Proverb

If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Your career is an experiment, and every step—good or bad—is data.
 
Your Next Move: Try One Small Experiment
There’s no single “right” way to build a fulfilling career. By testing new paths, following your curiosity, and learning from every experience, you’ll create a career that aligns with who you are today—not who you were 20 years ago. 

What’s one small career experiment you can try this month? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! If you are interested in defining 3 steps you can take in the next 30 days, then schedule your complementary career exploration call with me today. Hop on my calendar here: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session

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