Choosing a New Path Without All the Answers
Why I quit my job and started over without a solid plan
A couple of years ago, I handed in my two weeks’ notice at the comfortable, part-time, minimum-wage job I had been working—without having another job lined up. Why did I do this? Because I was following an instinctual pull to pursue a new career path that I had no prior experience in and very little knowledge of.
Again—why would I do this?
Because I had been unhappy, unfulfilled, and unmotivated for years. I was in desperate need of a change and longed to find that passion that makes work not feel like work. Since my sophomore year of college, I had been a lost student—someone who once had a full life plan and graduate schools lined up, but who suddenly had no clue what they wanted to do in life. The doubt and judgment on people’s faces was evident whenever I was asked when—or if—I was going to finish college and what I planned to do afterward.
I always knew I would eventually find something that captured my interest and led me to my purpose. It just took time and patience. That period of patience and “rest” is not taken for granted. I look back on it with gratitude, because if it hadn’t happened, I probably would not have taken the steps I did to find my dream career.
After I made up my mind to pursue this new path, there were many risky leaps taken, but my instincts reassured me that I was moving in the right direction. So here are some of those risks—and what starting over at 25 with no real plan looked like for me.
The Quiet Reality of Starting Over
If you read the first part of this series, then you know that I decided to pursue a career in court reporting. Yes, I am a newly certified stenographer who will be producing legal transcripts for attorneys, judges, and courts in Georgia. To begin this journey, I completed a free six-week course on the basics of stenography to see if it would be a good fit for me. By the end of the first week, I knew I loved it. That’s when it was time to apply to schools and begin formal training
Waiting for the perfect time keeps you stuck
One of the most important takeaways from this journey is that you must let go of the “I’ll start when…” mentality.
What keeps many people stuck is waiting for clarity, money, or validation. I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to be prepared, but sometimes the best outcomes happen when you leave perfection behind and take a chance.
I was horrible at taking selfies as a teen.
If I had waited for an invitation, saved every last cent, sought approval, or waited until I was “good enough,” I would have missed the opportunity to tour Italy in a music festival at 18. I didn’t have a cent to my name, and I definitely didn’t have the skill level I have now. I didn’t even give my parents a chance to say no—I simply told them I was going. End of discussion. Thankfully, they were gracious enough to help make it happen, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. That was one of many moments where I didn’t let the “what ifs” get in the way of a dream.
So don’t believe the myth that you always need a perfectly thought-out plan to pursue your dreams. Meaningful change often starts in uncertainty. If you still don’t believe me, you’re looking at proof. I had no real plan when I first developed this blog, and I refused to wait until it was “perfect” to launch it. I did the best I could with the knowledge I had—and here we are, with over 1,000 readers. Perfection is unattainable, so why let it stop you?
Trusting Yourself Without a Safety Net
Another lesson I learned is the importance of trusting yourself when the path isn’t clearly laid out. When I dove headfirst into court reporting, I had no plan B for working, no idea where I would go to school, and no guarantee I’d be part of the 1% who finish on time. It was anxiety-inducing, but I chose to trust the process.
Without the pressure of needing a full-time job, I was able to focus entirely on finding the right school. It took six months, but I eventually found the perfect fit and was able to start just two weeks after applying. A week before school began, I decided to teach piano again for income. It turned out to be the perfect solution—my schedule was flexible and never interfered with my studies. I was able to practice stenography consistently throughout the week, which allowed me to reach my goal of finishing school in 18 months.
Looking back, it’s amazing how everything worked out. Every risk felt terrifying at the time, but I trusted my abilities and had faith that things would fall into place. Believe that you’re capable of figuring things out as you go—this builds resilience and determination.
Embracing Vulnerability and Letting Go of Pride
A third lesson that comes with starting over is learning to embrace vulnerability and releasing pride.
It’s incredibly humbling to return to the beginning, especially when you had years of experience in another field. Starting over in a profession I knew nothing about was a stark contrast to my life in music, where I had over a decade of training and a familiar routine. Learning new grammar and punctuation rules, legal vocabulary, Latin terms, and essentially a new language—steno—pushed me far outside my comfort zone. Failed tests, uncertainty, and the constant question of whether I’d made the right choice were all part of the process.
Many people asked why I didn’t just finish my music degree or stick with teaching piano. Why start over completely? It wasn’t difficult to tune out those voices and stay focused. I realized that starting from zero isn’t a setback—it’s an act of courage. Staying true to yourself matters far more than staying where you’re already known.
How to Take the Leap and Start From Scratch
The first step in starting over is reframing fear. Don’t see it as a risk—see it as an investment in your future. Every investment carries risk, but it’s the potential reward that matters.
For me, the risk of court reporting school was high due to the low graduation rate. But the reward was equally high. I was repeatedly told that the money spent on school and startup costs would be earned back quickly once I began working. That possibility pushed me to work harder, especially on days when I wanted to quit.
If I’m being honest, there were nights I lay awake panicking about finishing on time and how much more money I might need before starting my career. Fear is normal when the future is uncertain—but we can’t let it stop us. As Nelson Mandela said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
You can be afraid—just don’t let fear hold you back. Use uncertainty as fuel. Now that I’ve done what once felt impossible—finishing school in record time, passing certification exams on the first attempt, and getting hired—I can focus on building a return on that investment.
Whatever fear is holding you back, push past it and take the first step. Forget perfection. Trust your gut. If it’s meant for you, things will fall into place.
Once you’ve gained some clarity, you can begin planning. Whether it’s a career, hobby, or major purchase, seek advice from someone experienced or find a way to test it out first. Make sure it’s right for you—and then commit fully.
