The Biggest Mistake I Made in My Twenties

I try to think of my 20s as a reasonable period in my life, but at the same time, if someone offered me a chance to go back to those years, I would most likely say, “hell no.” I’m now in my thirties, and although I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, a kid, a business, and a home to take care of, I feel the most significant source of joy I’m experiencing (among other things) is a true mastery of my craft and the apparent confidence that I can move forward with life, owning this skill set.

My twenties

I started my career as a print graphic designer. Although the creative aspects of the job were perfect for me, I felt it lacked the mathematical problem-solving element that nagged at me. Presenting work to clients was also a big hurdle. Not because I am shy or unable to offer work properly, but due to the amount of nonsense said to sell your creative work to a paying client.

My first job was at a marketing agency. Clients came for various kinds of services. I was surrounded by very kind and motivating colleagues. Still, I never felt anyone truly understood how to create a darn successful marketing campaign. It felt more like luck when something worked.

That didn’t sit well with me. I felt like I was working hard to justify my work. Ideally, I would’ve just liked to tell the client:

“I watch a hell of a lot of graphic design. I did my market research — this is popular right now, these colors work, and we like how it looks. It stands out on a sign, a business card, and a website. People will remember you with this image — trust me. If you don’t like it, just f*** off.”

That’s pretty much it.

I’m a hard worker. Day and night, I’d strive to enhance my skills and be the top graphic designer. I climbed a few rungs in that career, but around 2014, small marketing agencies weren’t very profitable businesses. You could take $100 of your own money, go on Facebook, buy monthly ads, and get similar results.

At some point, I realized that I wouldn’t progress further in this career.

The nagging feeling of selling pointless fluff got to me. I became chronically bored and underworked, sensing the inevitable layoff.

In hindsight, maybe if I had adopted a different attitude, changed my work environment, or started building a clientele of like-minded individuals, I’d still be in graphic design today. It feels like a burning hole because I adored that discipline, but the corporate environment doused that passion.

Out of boredom and feeling lost, I started taking courses on CodeSchool (now acquired by Pluralsight, which saddened me). They had captivating and informative videos on different programming languages, and I delved into Ruby and JavaScript.

It felt like a remedy. I was so engrossed that I couldn’t sleep. I’d squeeze my workday into an hour to dedicate the rest to learning code. Making things move, appear, save, and vanish on the screen was intoxicating. I could give life and purpose to the designs I was creating.

After about a year, I developed my coding skills. I began doing pro-bono work for friends, small organizations, and businesses. One thing led to another, and I started acquiring paying clients. My earnings matched what I made at my full-time job, but I lacked entrepreneurial ambition. I needed a jolt.

That jolt came when the agency I worked for, after crunching some numbers, decided to lay off several employees, including me.

It’s odd. Typically, when people lose their jobs, it’s tragic. But for some inexplicable reason, it was the best day of my life for me. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was 22 and owed no one anything. So, screw it.

Somehow, that layoff granted me the freedom to escape a job I had grown to despise. I’d always allowed external circumstances to dictate my path, but this turn of events empowered me to take control.

A decade later, I find myself in a leadership role as a programmer, crafting exceptional products for clients I cherish alongside an inspiring team that values quality over mediocrity.

I feel I belong to a community. I love developers. They resonate with me. It all makes sense now. I’ve always been drawn to computers. From a young age, I’d try to hack things and discern patterns in systems.

So here’s the lesson.

If you dislike what you’re doing, stop wasting time. No amount of wealth or possessions can pull you from that abyss of unhappiness. I was incredibly fortunate that life gave me that wake-up call. Otherwise, I might still be stuck in a rut, burdened with bills, and constantly stressed about retirement.

It’s never too late, but I’m sure that discovering your passion is easier when you’re younger, with fewer responsibilities and the ability to live frugally.

Whether it’s any creative pursuit, a hobby, or even gaming (heck, some folks earn millions streaming games on Twitch) — pour your heart into it.

Passionate people are unbeatable.

After waking up, jot down what excites you and figure out how to monetize it.

My gravest error was persisting in a job I despised. I suppressed that discomfort for nearly 4 years. I can only imagine where I’d be with 4 extra years of doing what I love. Even if switching careers is daunting, those added years of experience in your early thirties can be transformative.

Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75. Don’t lead such a life.