The Most Common Career Mistakes People Make in Their 20s
Your 20s are full of change, pressure, and uncertainty, especially when it comes to your career. It’s a decade where many people make decisions based on pressure, assumptions, or a lack of support. And that’s normal. But knowing what mistakes to avoid can save you years of frustration and help you build a career path that actually fits your life.
Here are the most common career mistakes people make in their 20s and what you can do instead to find clarity, purpose, and progress.
1. Choosing a Career for the Wrong Reasons
Many people choose careers based on what others expect, what their friends are doing, or what sounds impressive. But titles and salaries won’t matter if you hate the work.
This is one of the most common regrets people share later in life. Choosing a career because it "looks good" on paper is risky if it doesn't match your strengths or interests.
Ask yourself: Do I actually enjoy this type of work? Can I see myself doing it every day? Would I do it even if it didn’t come with status?
2. Ignoring Personal Strengths and Values
It’s easy to chase what’s popular instead of what fits you. Ignoring your own strengths, interests, and values leads to burnout, boredom, and lack of motivation.
Understanding what matters to you will help you find a career path that brings energy, not drains it.
Reflect on: What are you naturally good at? What kind of work makes you feel proud? What causes or industries actually interest you?
3. Staying Too Long in the Wrong Role
Many people stay in jobs they dislike because they don’t want to start over or they feel guilty leaving a “good opportunity.” But staying too long in a role that isn’t right can:
Kill motivation
Lower your confidence
Delay your career progress
Changing direction early on is better than staying stuck and feeling worse over time. Starting fresh can give you momentum.
4. Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Social media makes it easy to believe you’re behind, that everyone else has it figured out. But the truth is, most people don’t.
Comparison creates pressure. That pressure leads to rushed decisions and paths you don’t actually want.
Careers are not one-size-fits-all. Focus on your journey, not someone else’s highlight reel.
5. Avoiding Help or Guidance
Trying to figure it all out alone can lead to the wrong direction or no direction at all.
Too many people wait until they’re deep into a job or course before realising it’s not a fit. Getting help earlier can save years of regret.
A career coach can help you:
Get clarity on your options
Understand what career paths suit your personality
Make a plan that feels right and realistic
6. Believing You Have to Pick One Career Forever
This idea causes a lot of stress in your 20s. You don’t need to pick one job for life. In fact, most people change careers multiple times.
Your goal should be to find your next right step, something that matches where you are right now and moves you in a direction that excites you.
Careers evolve. You will too.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Late to Change
If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, you’re not alone. Most people do. What matters is what you do next.
Your 20s are the best time to explore, ask for help, and start making career decisions based on who you are, not just what’s expected of you.
You don’t need all the answers. But with the right support, you can find clarity and direction sooner.
Get Support from Thinkbridge Consulting
At Thinkbridge Consulting, we work with young people across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK who feel stuck, uncertain, or simply want to make smarter career decisions.
Our career coaching is ideal for:
Students unsure about their course or future
Graduates who feel lost after university
Early-career professionals who want to change direction
We help you:
Understand your strengths and values
Explore the right career options
Build confidence in your next step
Book a free 20-minute discovery call today to start your career with clarity and purpose.
You can email us at info@thinkbridge-consulting.com or call us at 07342 393 555 to learn more and take control of your future