Dear Editor,

Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague on LinkedIn that highlighted the disconnect between my academic background, professional path, and personal aspirations.

We discussed how I’ve been trying to bring these aspects of my life into alignment. This disconnect stems largely from the fact that, after graduating from university, I sought roles aligned with my long-term goals but was unsuccessful. As a result, I built a career in an unrelated field and have now spent half a decade in the industry.

While five years may not seem like a long time to some, there comes a point at which you stop and reflect. You evaluate where you are, and, like me, you may realise that you’ve been living on autopilot — focused on survival rather than experiencing true self-actualisation.

That conversation got me thinking about the many others who may be facing the same dilemma. The truth is the job market plays a significant role in shaping our professional trajectories. Many individuals are in jobs simply to meet financial obligations, not because they find purpose or fulfilment in their roles.

My colleague encouraged me to focus on transferable skills and use them to reposition myself, to find balance and make the necessary pivots towards alignment. This advice is especially relevant for those looking to start over professionally and make an impact in a new sphere. Skills such as research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management are universally valuable. They not only make us more marketable but also demonstrate adaptability and resilience.

If you are considering a fresh start, whether academically or professionally, know that it is not impossible. While you may not carry every skill or piece of knowledge into your next chapter, many of the core competencies you’ve developed are highly transferable. As you pursue self-actualisation, focus on building and marketing these universal skills.

Take the risk — you are more prepared than you realise!

Jaemar Johnson

Behaviour analyst

johnsonjaemar@gmail.com