Redefining Success: Breaking Free from Expectations to Find Your True Career Path

Picture this: you’re climbing your first career ladder, but as you're getting higher, you realise it’s propped against the wrong wall. For many young professionals, this eerie metaphor becomes reality. I know, because many of them end up sitting across from me in my career coaching practice. Trapped by societal norms and familial expectations, they often find themselves chasing inherited dreams instead of their own. The weight of these expectations, often combined with the financial safety net that their well-meaning parents provide, can feel suffocating, leading to self-doubt, boreout, confusion, and ultimately, burnout.

But what if there’s a way to step off the path carved for you and start carving your own? What if the freedom you’re yearning for isn’t as far away as it feels? In this post, I will share what I've learned supporting young professionals to find the career they love: their internal struggles, but also the actionable steps that helped them shift from feeling stuck to rediscovering their purpose.

It all starts with one question: What do you truly want?

The Struggles of Living Someone Else’s Dream

The Invisible Chains of Expectations

For many of us, family plays such an important role in shaping our dreams and ambitions. Parents dream of stability for us - the prestigious job, the paycheck with benefits, the degree you’ll hang on your office wall. While these aspirations come from a good place, they can overshadow your authentic desires. Over time, the life you’re building can feel more like a tribute to someone else’s dreams rather than a reflection of your own.

Have you ever asked yourself, "Whose success am I really striving for?" It’s a hard question, especially when external pressures reinforce the idea that there’s a "correct" path to success. Knowing whether you’re living authentically or on autopilot can be a challenge.

Losing Sight of Your Personal Vision

Here’s the paradox young professionals face today. On one hand, there’s the endless array of career options made possible by technology and a globalized economy. On the other hand, that incomprehensible amount of choices can lead to analysis paralysis. Because of this, I see many young professionals struggle with questions like: “Am I making the right choice?" or worse, "What if I’ve already made the wrong one?”

This fear of committing to the wrong career path often keeps people stuck. They stop moving forward, confused and uncertain about what their true vision for themselves actually looks like. If this is you, you're not to blame. The pressure of expectations and societal norms can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: there’s no single “right” path, and there’s immense power in simply taking the next step - no matter how small it may be - that feels right for you.

The Looming Threat of Burnout

When you continuously chase external validation - whether through promotions, LinkedIn likes, or climbing the corporate title ranks - burnout becomes almost inevitable. Burnout is a dreamkiller because it doesn’t just leave you exhausted; it leaves you questioning your worth, your purpose, and the very goals you once thought were right for you.

The good news? You’re not as stuck as you think. Below are practical ways to break the cycle.

3 Powerful Steps to Reclaim Your True Career Path

1. Reflect on Your Values and Passions

The first step to building a life you love is understanding what truly matters to you. It’s about going beyond what society or family expects and asking yourself:

• What lights me up?

• What do I value most - creativity, independence, or impact?

• If I weren't afraid of what my parents or friends would think, what would I do differently today?

Find some quiet time to journal or think about these questions. Reflection is like decluttering - once you sort through the mess of other people's expectations about your life, you’ll begin to see your own dreams emerge.

What you can do right now

Block off an hour each week to write down the moments that brought you happiness and fulfillment. Look for patterns over time - they might reveal hidden passions or values you’ve overlooked.

2. Experiment With New Experiences

Finding your path isn’t about having all the answers upfront. It’s about trying new things and staying open to those "Aha!" moments. Maybe it’s volunteering for causes you care about, freelancing in a different field, or even pursuing a side project. Exploration is how you discover what energizes you.

Think of it like prototyping your career or microdosing your dreams. Not every attempt will succeed, but each one will bring new insights.

What you can do right now

Pick one thing you’ve always been curious about - learning graphic design, public speaking, investing - and dedicate 30 minutes a day to it for a month. You may uncover a passion or skill you never knew you were capable of.

3. Seek Guidance From a Mentor or Professional

Sometimes, the best way to make sense of our choices is by having someone help us see things through a fresh lens. A mentor or career coach can not only guide you through uncertainties but also provide the tools and strategies to identify your strengths and goals.

The key here is finding someone who listens without judgment and encourages you to think big. A career coach’s role isn’t to prescribe a solution but to help you chart the path that feels true to yourself.

What you can do right now

Reach out to someone you admire - a teacher, former manager, or industry leader. Ask for a coffee chat and approach it as a learning opportunity. Their perspective might spark clarity on your next steps.

Breaking Free Starts With One Choice

The pain of being stuck isn’t permanent. It’s a signal that something needs to change - and that change can start today. By reflecting on your values, exploring different paths, and seeking meaningful guidance, you’re not just rejecting the mold; you’re reclaiming your agency.

Remember: You don’t have to do it alone. Imagine having someone who truly listens, who gives you the tools to rewrite your story and step into a life that feels undeniably yours.

That life, the one filled with purpose, joy, and authenticity, is within your reach. It’s not a distant dream or something reserved for others; it’s waiting for you to claim it. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the life you’re meant to live. And through it all, I want you to know this: I believe in you.

You are capable, resilient, and worthy of every beautiful moment ahead. The power to create your path is already in your hands. Keep going – you’ve got this!

Feeling stuck or weighed down by expectations?

You’re not alone - so many talented, creative souls end up living someone else’s story, unsure how to start writing their own. It’s easy to lose clarity amidst the noise and pressure.

Let’s discover what truly motivates and inspires you. I’m offering a free session to help you untangle expectations, reconnect with your authentic values, and set your sights on a future you choose - one that lights you up.

Schedule your free session!