This Is What No One Tells You About Starting Your Career

Starting your career is often painted as a shiny, exciting chapter of life. You’ve graduated, landed your first job or are searching for it, and the world is supposedly your oyster. The beginning of your career can feel less like a triumphant march forward and more like stumbling through a maze, blindfolded, in heels.

No one tells you that rejection will sting. That imposter syndrome will creep in, whispering, “You’re not good enough.” That loneliness might settle in as you navigate a new, unfamiliar world. And no one tells you that learning on the job can feel like drinking from a firehose of expectations.

Yet, here’s the thing they also don’t tell you, these experiences are normal, universal, and surmountable. So, if you’re just starting your career and feeling overwhelmed, let’s have some real talk about what no one tells you and how to navigate it with grace and grit.

Rejection Is Not a Reflection of Your Worth

Whether it’s a politely worded email saying, “We’ve decided to move forward with another candidate,” or the deafening silence of no response at all, rejection hits hard. It’s easy to take it personally, to think, why wasn’t I good enough?

But here’s the truth, rejection is rarely about you as a person. Often, it’s about timing, fit, or things entirely outside your control. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter manuscript was rejected 12 times before Bloomsbury finally took a chance on it. Can you imagine if she’d stopped trying after the first “no”?

Rejection isn’t an endpoint, it’s feedback. It’s a redirection towards something better suited for you. Yes, it stings in the moment, but each “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

Tip: After a rejection, take time to reflect. Ask for feedback if possible, and use it to improve. But don’t let it define your self-worth, your value isn’t tied to someone else’s approval.

Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not Alone

Ah, imposter syndrome that nagging feeling that you’ve somehow tricked everyone into thinking you’re competent, and it’s only a matter of time before you’re “found out.” Spoiler alert: you’re not alone.

Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially among high achievers. Even icons like Michelle Obama have admitted to feeling like they didn’t belong at times. The key is to recognise that those feelings are just that, feelings, not facts.

You were hired for a reason. You’re in the room because you deserve to be. And, newsflash: everyone else is figuring things out too. The colleague who seems to have it all together? They’ve likely had their own moments of doubt.

Tip: When imposter syndrome strikes, make a list of your achievements. Big or small, they’re proof of your capabilities. And remember: confidence is a skill, not a personality trait. You can build it over time.

Building Your Support Network

Starting your career often means stepping into a new world, new colleagues, a new city, maybe even a new industry. It’s exciting, yes, but it can also be isolating. You might miss the camaraderie of university friends or feel like you don’t quite belong in your workplace yet.

This loneliness doesn’t mean you’re failing it’s a natural part of transition. The key is to actively build your support network. Join professional groups, attend networking events, or simply invite a colleague out for coffee. Connection doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with small, intentional actions.

Example: When Sheryl Sandberg joined Facebook as COO, she was stepping into an entirely new environment. She didn’t wait for connections to come to her, she sought out mentors, built relationships, and created a network that supported her leadership journey.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to reach out. Most people are open to connection they’re just waiting for someone to take the first step.

Embrace the Mess

No one knows everything when they start. You might feel like you’re being thrown into the deep end, new software, unfamiliar jargon, expectations that seem impossible to meet. But this “trial by fire” isn’t unique to you. It’s how everyone learns.

Learning on the job is messy, but it’s also where the magic happens. You’ll make mistakes (everyone does), but each one is an opportunity to grow. The key is to approach every challenge with curiosity and humility.

Example: Oprah Winfrey was fired from one of her first TV jobs because she was deemed “unfit for television.” Instead of letting it define her, she took the lessons from that experience and grew into one of the most influential media figures in the world.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything, and showing a willingness to learn is a strength, not a weakness.

The Bigger Picture

Starting your career isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about figuring it out as you go. It’s about learning to navigate rejection, quieting the voice of imposter syndrome, seeking out connection, and embracing the steep learning curve.

Yes, it’s challenging. But it’s also an incredible time for growth, discovery, and building the foundation of the career you want.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. Everyone who’s ever started their career has felt the sting of rejection, the weight of self-doubt, and the loneliness of transition. But they’ve also felt the joy of small victories, the pride of growth, and the thrill of finding their path.

You’re not supposed to have it all figured out on day one or even year one. The most important thing is to keep showing up, to keep learning, and to trust that each step forward is taking you closer to where you’re meant to be.

So, here’s to the messy, beautiful, challenging journey of starting your career. You’ve got this. 🌟