“The only way to do a good job is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. ~ Steve Jobs
In 2017, I stood at a crossroads. Armed with a law degree but burdened with uncertainty, I faced a future that was both daunting and boring. The path I had chosen—the path society essentially dictated for me—suddenly seemed hollow because it didn’t quite align with my values and vision of a fulfilling life.
I knew I needed to change, but the prospect of starting over scared me. Today, I wake up every morning filled with purpose and excitement. I am a passionate educator who inspires students and shapes the future.
The transformation from confused law school grad to accomplished teacher doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen in just one year. Here’s how I coped with this life-changing career change, and how you can make a change too, no matter your starting point or destination.
The first step was to reshape my mindset. Instead of viewing my career change as an adventure into the unknown, I decided to view it as a year-long experiment in self-discovery. This transformation has allowed me to approach each day with curiosity rather than fear.
I set a simple goal: learn something new about myself or a potential career path every day. Sometimes this means reading articles about different careers. Other days, I attend social events or conduct informational interviews.
The key is consistency. i promise to do something Every day, no matter how small.
One of the biggest obstacles I face is the pressure of other people’s expectations. Friends, family, and even strangers all had different opinions about my choice to give up law. “But you worked so hard for that degree!” they’ll say, or “Lawyers make so much money;” why give up on that?
I had to learn to silence the voices—not just external ones, but internal ones as well. I realized that I had internalized many of society’s expectations of success and popularity.
Letting go of this allowed me to truly listen to my desires and intuition.
Every night, I spend fifteen minutes journaling about my experiences and feelings. This simple exercise becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery.
I ask myself questions like: What energizes me today? What is exhausting me? What am I curious to know more about? What fears or doubts arise, and where do they come from?
I also started journaling moments of gratitude, no matter how small—like a kind word from a friend or the warmth of an evening breeze. These reflections not only help me understand my emotions but also turn my attention toward growth and possibility.
Over time, patterns emerge. I notice how my energy soars when I help others understand complex topics and how my energy comes alive when I discuss ideas rather than laws and regulations.
Leaving the familiar world of law is uncomfortable. Those days were filled with doubt and anxiety. But I’ve learned to live with the discomfort and see it as a sign of growth.
I started small and challenged myself to do one thing outside of my comfort zone each week. Sometimes that means partying alone; Sometimes it’s asking strangers for career advice.
Each step strengthened my confidence and resilience.
The pivotal moment came when I volunteered to teach a weekend seminar on basic legal concepts to high school students. Standing in front of the classroom, watching my eyes sparkle with understanding, I felt a spark that I had never experienced in the legal field.
This experience prompted me to seek out additional teaching opportunities. I tutored, led study groups, and eventually found a teaching assistant position at a local community college.
With each experience, my passion for education grows stronger.
My year of self-discovery went beyond passive reflection. This is a positive cycle of learning and practice. I would learn about potential career paths and then find a way to experience it firsthand.
This hands-on approach accelerated my growth and helped me quickly find what resonated with me.
Looking back, I realize that the most critical factor in my successful career transition was not talent or luck. It’s consistency. By committing to daily action and reflection, I made steady progress even when I couldn’t see the end goal.
This consistency puts me ahead of the 99% of people who dream about a career change but never take sustained action. It’s not about taking giant leaps every day; This is a small but consistent step in the direction of your dreams.
My path led me from law to education, but your journey may look completely different. The beauty of self-discovery is that it is unique. The “right” path isn’t always obvious or direct, but by allowing yourself to explore, you open the door to possibilities you may have never imagined.
As you embark on your journey of self-discovery, remember:
1. Reframe challenges as opportunities for experimentation and learning.
Every obstacle brings us closer to understanding ourselves and our abilities.
2. Practice daily reflection to discover your true desires and motivations…
…maybe use the questions I shared above to identify what energizes you, what drains you, what sparks your curiosity, and what might be holding you back. Continuously writing down your thoughts will create a map of your inner world.
3. View discomfort as a sign of growth.
Moments that feel challenging often mark transitions. Lean on them with trust and courage.
4. Look for practical experience in your area of interest.
Whether it’s through volunteering, internships, shadowing, or just talking to people in these spaces, exposure can light up paths you hadn’t considered.
5. Be consistent and take small actions every day.
Progress doesn’t require giant leaps; steady steps translate into meaningful results.
6. Be patient with yourself and the process.
Meaningful change and self-discovery don’t happen overnight. Celebrate the small victories and remember that setbacks are part of the journey.
Finally, cultivate gratitude and curiosity. These are twin forces that inspire resilience and creativity, helping you see the beauty in the process and the unknown.
The only way to fail in this process is to never try. So I encourage you: Start your year of fearless exploration today. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to pursue a life and career that truly fulfills you.
About Kalyani Abhiyankar
Kalyani Abhyankar is a law professor and mindset coach specializing in administrative law and consumer protection. She is passionate about helping others develop limitless mindsets and personal growth through her work at LinkedIn and beyond.
