What nobody tells you about the beginning of your professional career

O beginning of professional career It may seem like the most promising time in adult life, the one where dreams align with opportunities.

But in practice, what happens is quite different. There's no instruction manual for this phase, and what few people say is that it's often marked by more doubts than achievements.

Summary:

1. The romanticism of the first opportunity
2. Reality and frustration of the first job
3. The illusion of definitive choice
4. Comparing kills authenticity
5. Emotional instability and real impacts
6. When pausing makes more sense than running
7. The market demands more than diplomas
8. Flexibility: the silent key to success
9. Balancing Purpose and Survival
10. Conclusion
11. Frequently Asked Questions

The romanticism of the first opportunity

From an early age, we are taught to believe that beginning of professional career will come as a reward for years of study.

School, university, internships, and lectures reinforce this idea that there's a turning point where everything clicks into place. But this "click" is almost never immediate.

Upon entering the market, young workers realize that selection methods are based on logic that does not always prioritize technical competence.

Subjective interviews, lengthy selection processes, and unattainable requirements for junior positions become constant barriers.

This broken expectation, if not understood as part of the process, can lead to self-sabotage and loss of confidence. The beginning isn't always brilliant, and that's okay.

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Reality and frustration of the first job

The first job is rarely the dream job. Low pay, repetitive tasks, and a lack of prospects for rapid advancement are common.

The problem is that most of the time this is not said clearly.

Data from IBGE reveals that, in 2024, the average income of young people between 18 and 24 years old was only R$ 1,642.

In many cases, the amount doesn't even cover travel and food costs. This pressures young people to take on multiple jobs simultaneously or pursue entrepreneurship, often without preparation.

Another recurring challenge is dealing with corporate environments that do not invest in humanized leadership.

Unprepared supervisors and excessive pressure undermine performance and create an environment where mistakes are punished, not learned from.

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The illusion of definitive choice

There is a collective imagination that demands that young people know what they want to do for the rest of their lives at the age of 17.

College courses, entrance exams, and questions like "what are you going to be?" create unfair pressure. But who said we need to know the answer?

The truth is that most people change careers throughout their lives. A LinkedIn News survey shows that 671,000 global professionals have changed careers at least once in the last five years.

Without a doubt, this data proves that there is not just one path.

By embracing this versatility, we remove the burden of choosing the "perfect" option and open up space for more authentic experiences. Flexibility, here, is more important than certainty.

Comparing kills authenticity

In the hyperconnected world of social media, it's easy to believe everyone is ahead. The digital showcase displays important positions, beautiful offices, and stories of meteoric success.

What doesn't show up are the rejections, the frustrating internships, and the silent career changes.

Compare the beginning of professional career It's unfair to be based on the trajectory of someone who's been in the market for years. Each person has a different context, pace, and set of opportunities.

It's like trying to compare a marathon to a 100-meter dash. The courses are different.

Cultivating your own journey requires emotional protection. Developing a more critical relationship with digital exposure also protects against performance anxiety.

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Emotional instability and real impacts

Insecurity, anxiety, and fear are common feelings at this stage. Not knowing how to act in a meeting, how to ask for a raise, or when to change jobs can create emotional blocks.

According to the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), the number of young people with symptoms of burnout increased by 27% between 2022 and 2024.

One of the factors is the lack of emotional preparation and support within companies.

This is where the need to strengthen emotional intelligence from the outset comes in. Knowing how to handle criticism, establish boundaries, and learn to communicate frustrations are skills as essential as technical knowledge.

When pausing makes more sense than running

In a fast-paced world, those who pause are seen as weak or directionless. But often, pausing is precisely what gives meaning to the next step.

A young person can benefit much more from taking a gap semester to volunteer or take additional courses than from taking poorly chosen jobs.

This intentional reflection allows you to reevaluate your skills, passions, and future directions.

These choices, when made clearly, enhance your resume and demonstrate maturity. The market values those who know what they want and aren't afraid to pivot.

The market demands more than diplomas

For a long time, a diploma was the only key to accessing the formal job market. Today, it's just one of the variables.

Soft skills such as empathy, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving have gained prominence.

According to a McKinsey study, companies that value behavioral skills have up to 25% more productivity in their teams.

This reality also pushes young people to seek constant self-development. Free courses, Participation in professional communities and mentoring are ways to accelerate this learning without relying on formal education.

Flexibility: the silent key to success

Having a plan in place is great, but having the flexibility to change is essential. With each new experience, professionals discover themselves, adjust their path, and understand what truly makes sense.

Adaptability is one of the most sought-after skills in 2025. Work environments change rapidly, companies reshape roles, and new technologies replace tasks. Those who adapt easily will come out ahead.

Adopting a “portfolio” career mindset—with varied experiences, combined skills, and learning from different sources—becomes a competitive differentiator.

Balancing Purpose and Survival

The first opportunity won't always be meaningful. Often, it will come with bills. And that's okay. Working out of necessity isn't shameful; it's human.

But it's important to keep your eye on where you want to go. Seeking out side projects, freelance work, courses, or networking opportunities that will bring you closer to your dream field can be the ideal strategy for navigating this phase without losing your way.

Remember: the beginning of professional career does not always translate to the final destination. It is a step. And steps are made for climbing.

Conclusion

If you feel like you're lost in the beginning of professional career, know that this is more common than it seems. The beginning is a field of testing, mistakes, and self-discovery.

Every bad choice teaches us. Furthermore, every obstacle shapes us, and every new beginning strengthens us. The important thing is to keep an open mind, an attentive heart, and the willingness to adjust the helm when the wind changes.

Whoever told you that you need to get it right the first time may have forgotten what it was like to begin. Are you willing to allow yourself to truly learn, without rushing?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it normal to change careers in the early years?
Yes. Today's market changes quickly, and so do people. Reevaluating your path is a sign of maturity, not indecision.

2. How to deal with the pressure to succeed early on?
Seek emotional support, set realistic goals, and avoid comparisons. Success is a process, not an instant event.

3. Does taking a break at the beginning of your career hurt you?
No, as long as the pause is purposeful and well-justified. Often, it's the best way to guide things.

4. What is more important in the beginning: money or learning?
It depends on the context. If possible, prioritize learning. But don't blame yourself for choosing something that guarantees sustainability.

5. How to look for opportunities even without experience?
Participate in projects, volunteer, build a portfolio, and seek mentorship. Demonstrating initiative is more important than an extensive track record.

For more information, read this Harvard Business Review article, which provides powerful insights on career development in uncertain contexts.