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Do you often feel an unease about work, struggling to immerse yourself in the present tasks?

career development job dissatisfaction private enterprise free time management discrimination concerns
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Do you often feel an unease about work, struggling to immerse yourself in the present tasks? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

Ever since I started working, I have been unable to focus on the present. Now 25, I have been employed for two years with a salary of 9.5k.

I am constantly worried about my career development, and I'm unsure of what I should be doing in the present.

Reasons:

1. The job content feels like it belongs to a general function, not specialized.

2. The company platform is small, and it is a private enterprise.

3. I have a lot of free time, but I'm always worried that I won't be able to make good use of it.

4. The pressure from education, age, and gender... I'm worried that I will be discriminated against when applying for jobs.

5. My career direction is very confused.

6. My family wants me to pursue further education and obtain certifications.

7. I am in Beijing...

I am unable to immerse myself in my current job because I feel it is below my abilities, yet I also think that with ample time, self-improvement might be better.

Eleonora Watson Eleonora Watson A total of 3548 people have been helped

Greetings,

The host's initial response was as follows:

A careful reading of the post reveals a certain degree of anxiety. However, the author has also demonstrated courage in confronting his own feelings and seeking assistance on the platform. This initiative will undoubtedly facilitate a deeper understanding of the author's self and enable him to make necessary adjustments, leading to a more positive self-perception.

Subsequently, I will present my observations and thoughts on the aforementioned post, which may assist the individual in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of his current circumstances.

1. It seems prudent to consider the following:

After careful examination of the post, it became evident that the individual in question possesses a noteworthy aptitude for logical expression. This is a notable strength.

Additionally, the information provided suggests the presence of an ideal self in the host's mind. While the image of this ideal self may lack specificity, the host appears uncertain about his desired actions and obligations.

However, this is not the case at the present moment. The individual in question, as referenced in the aforementioned post, stated:

The work is perceived as a mere function, rather than a distinctive area of expertise.

The company is a small, privately held enterprise.

Despite having a considerable amount of free time, I am unable to utilise it effectively due to the pervasive nature of my concerns.

The factors of academic qualifications, age, gender pressure, and the fear of discrimination when seeking employment all contribute to the complexity of the situation.

The direction one should take in one's career is a source of considerable confusion.

Family members are pursuing postgraduate qualifications and certification.

In Beijing,

If one is dissatisfied with these circumstances, a potential solution may be to work more intensively, to work for a larger company, or to make good use of one's free time. The presence of an ideal self may result in criticism of the real self when the latter fails to achieve the former's expectations.

This sentiment can be likened to the experience of awaiting a bus, with the anticipation of its arrival and the concomitant feelings of anxiety when it fails to materialize. In light of this, it is imperative for the landlord to assess whether their expectations are unduly optimistic.

2. It is also important to consider the resources that are available in one's immediate environment.

The poster indicated a desire to move beyond an anxious state. To achieve this, it is necessary to learn to adjust the distance between ideals and reality.

As the discrepancy between one's ideal and actual circumstances diminishes, so too does the accompanying anxiety. This enables one to emerge from the anxious state. The question then becomes: How might this discrepancy be adjusted?

The host may wish to consider the resources available to them and ascertain which of these could be employed to facilitate improvement.

It is not sufficient to merely fantasize about improvement; one must also consider the feasibility of doing so.

It is essential to ascertain whether the resources at our disposal can facilitate our professional growth and identify viable solutions.

This approach allows us to gradually approach our desired level of performance. If you believe that your current abilities exceed the requirements of your current role, it may be beneficial to explore opportunities within the company that align with your skills and aspirations.

One might consider applying to one's superior for the purpose of introducing additional pressure and challenges to one's own professional development.

3. Improvement and Learning

As observed in the aforementioned post, the individual in question is now 25 years of age, a relatively young age. It is important to note that the journey ahead is still long.

It is therefore important not to become discouraged. It is a common mistake to assume that one will swiftly identify a role that aligns perfectly with one's skills and aspirations, with a clear career path laid out before them.

Indeed, many individuals who are newly entering the workforce harbor such sentiments.

However, this line of thinking often leads to increased anxiety. Society can be conceptualized as a university, and if we assume that we will have completed our studies upon entering, it is unlikely that we will do so. This is not to say that it is impossible for the majority of individuals to achieve this, but it is a challenging prospect.

As most individuals are ordinary, upon entering university, they tend to utilize the available resources more extensively for the purposes of learning, experimentation, and improvement.

The acquisition of knowledge is a fundamental aspect of professional development. Exploration of unfamiliar fields can facilitate the identification of one's professional passions. Additionally, the cultivation of social skills, etiquette, and the accumulation of personal resources are integral components of a comprehensive university education.

To what extent have we achieved these objectives?

Ultimately, it is my hope that this will prove beneficial and inspirational to the host. I am Zeng Chen, a psychological coach at One Mind.

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Vance Vance A total of 1839 people have been helped

Hello, and it's great to connect with you!

After reading your post and the additional content, I get the sense that you've recently entered the workforce and are feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's natural to have expectations for your work, but it seems like they're not quite aligning with reality. I thought it might help to share some insights from people who've been in a similar situation.

1. Your current confusion:

From what you've said, it seems like you're not totally happy in your current role. It could be the lack of clear career progression, the limited scope for learning, the lack of effective use of your free time, the fear of wasting time without a clear direction, or something else.

A bunch of different things have made you anxious and confused, and you really need to find a way to let it all out.

2. Share different perspectives:

The competition and pressure for employment in today's society is real. When young people first start working, they'll always encounter situations where the reality of work doesn't quite match their ideals. Regardless of your current income situation, it's more important to ask yourself what you can learn from this job.

Even the smallest details, like being the secretary to the leader, organizing meetings, and sorting through documents, can teach you a lot about the rules and patterns of the workplace. Don't underestimate any of it—it's all valuable for learning.

"I have a lot of free time... but I'm always worried that I can't make good use of it." I'd say that's a plus of your job. The free time can give you more time to plan for the future, learn some useful skills, and even tackle the academic qualification issue.

The key is to set clear goals and a plan, and then stick to it. I think your confusion about the future can be turned into a great motivator for learning new skills.

"You particularly want to be passively promoted at work... When I can't get it, I get anxious." I'd like to tell you that very few people can be promoted at work, let alone in your current role, which is relatively relaxed and free. Most people discover their own growth motivation at work. If you keep hoping to be promoted passively, you may gain more disappointment and anxiety. Turning passivity into activeness is the best way to relieve your anxiety.

I can see that you're facing pressure from your family and society when it comes to gender and education. This is probably making you feel confused and anxious. But I think the real reason for your anxiety is that you lack confidence. You can build this confidence through continuous learning, growth, and work experience. You could even turn some of that anxiety into a focus on your current work and personal growth. I think you'll find that these anxieties aren't as real as they seem.

3. Here's some advice:

You're aware of the social pressures you face and your desire for change, which is your chance to make a difference. First, accept your uneasy emotions, be content with your current work, and do everything you can to the best of your ability. With your current work status, you can definitely find a better job.

Set a short-term goal for yourself, which can be six months or a year, based on your major and current work situation. Figure out what you want to do most during this period of time and what learning goals you want to achieve, and go forward with determination. After that, make a long-term plan and take each step of the way.

Find some like-minded friends, check out community platforms related to your career direction, chat about career and study plans, and see if you can find a suitable path for yourself through more channels.

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Sage Jordan Carter Sage Jordan Carter A total of 5504 people have been helped

I am gratified to observe that you have sought assistance, and it is my hope that the information I am sharing will prove beneficial to you in some way.

From your description, it is evident that the primary factor contributing to your inability to focus on the present is your tendency to ruminate on potential future outcomes, many of which are pessimistic and self-limiting. This internalization of future events shapes your emotional state, influencing your current experiences.

The reason this state of mind has affected your normal life and is not amenable to control through willpower is that it provides a certain degree of satisfaction, for example, by avoiding the discomfort of confronting one's imperfections.

This phenomenon can be attributed to an inner deficiency in self-acceptance and confidence. The individual in question lacks the conviction that they possess the capacity to better navigate the uncertainties of the future. Consequently, they exhibit a pronounced desire for absolute control and for events to unfold in a manner that aligns with their expectations.

By envisioning a future replete with crises and challenges, one can mitigate the frustration associated with a lack of self-acceptance and confidence.

Consequently, the most effective method for effecting change in this situation is to endeavor to cultivate self-acceptance and self-confidence. This entails recognizing both one's shortcomings and strengths.

One may attempt to enhance self-acceptance by compiling a list of one's strengths. It is often observed that individuals who cultivate diverse interests and passions tend to exhibit greater control over their lives.

One may cultivate self-confidence and enhance one's sense of self-worth in life by maintaining a gratitude diary. One may also identify a role model and idol in one's immediate vicinity, learn to imitate those aspects of the model that one finds appealing, and thereby foster greater confidence at a faster rate.

The aspect of one's self that is in need of improvement and growth must be something that one loves and that is conducive to future development. It is unproductive to engage in comparisons with others, whether in terms of one's shortcomings or one's strengths. It is also unproductive to engage in comparisons with one's self from a previous point in time.

My name is Lily, and I am the moderator of the question-and-answer session. I extend my love and best wishes to you all.

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Vitaliano Williams Vitaliano Williams A total of 6595 people have been helped

Hugging you, I can tell you're feeling a bit anxious. It seems like you're feeling confused about your career development, which is totally normal!

I totally get it. You're not happy with your current situation. You're not happy with your current work content, the company platform, and the development space.

This shows that you have big dreams for your future!

On the other hand, you're feeling a little lost and scared about your future development. It's totally normal to worry about the pressure of education, age, and gender; not being able to make good use of your relatively free time; employment discrimination; and the pressure to obtain professional qualifications and pass the postgraduate entrance exam.

It's totally normal to feel anxious when you're faced with these complex emotional states. It can be really hard to determine exactly what you should do in these situations.

I want to give you a compliment first, because when you have these thoughts, it means that you have higher internal demands for your own development and expectations. The pressure and anxiety you feel is actually anxiety about the gap between your current self and your ideal self. All of this shows that you are not a person who lets things go, but someone who has demands and expectations for life and for yourself.

And now for some tips on how you can tackle this!

My first piece of advice is to try to understand your feelings of anxiety. You've already done a great job listing the reasons, because these reasons all affect your emotions.

I think it would really help you to feel again what specific feelings you have when faced with these reasons. For example, what do you feel when you think about the company's platform not being big enough?

I'd love to know what you want to feel when you think about the company platform. It would be great to understand why your feelings are different from your expectations.

Oh, where could they be?

The second suggestion is to try to express and seek help from people you recognize. You mentioned that your family suggested that you take a postgraduate exam, which I think is a great idea!

I think it would be really helpful for you to share your thoughts with your friends, family, elders, or teachers you respect or admire. They might be able to give you some great advice that could really help you plan your career!

The third suggestion is to make a career plan for yourself as a first step, and then devote yourself to it wholeheartedly. In the process of doing things, you will gain deeper insights. It can be tricky to make a particularly clear career plan because no one can accurately predict how their career path should be arranged. But don't worry! You've got this.

However, looking one step ahead is totally doable! For example, what is the one thing you want to get done this year or this month?

I really do think that if you can just be fully engaged in your immediate plans and take things seriously, it'll probably help to ease your anxiety.

If you'd like to chat some more, you can also order my heart exploration coaching service.

I really hope these suggestions will inspire you!

I wish you the best of luck!

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Gabriella Gabriella A total of 2811 people have been helped

Give the original poster a big hug! They're 25 years old, just starting out in their career, making a great salary, and have so much potential for the future.

The original poster already knows how to do it!

"This job seems below my abilities, but I also feel that I have plenty of time. Wouldn't it be great to improve myself?"

However, due to various concerns, he has not yet implemented them into action. But there's still a long way to go between "knowing" and "doing," and he's going to get there!

First, let's dive into the core reasons for "insecurity" and "worry" with the original poster.

Feeling insecure about your job is actually a great feeling!

I'm excited to grow and develop in my role, but I feel that my current functions are not specialized enough and that the company's platform is relatively small.

The host has high aspirations for himself, certain requirements, and a long-term perspective—and he's ready to take on the world!

I want to spend my free time better improving myself, and I'm excited to figure out what that looks like!

I'm young, but I'm already satisfied with my work, and I'm excited to keep improving!

This insecurity is what drives you forward. And it's a great feeling! It'll gradually make you step out of your comfort zone, which is a fantastic experience.

It's not clear what the landlord's actual work is, but that's okay! The landlord can ask people around him who think the other person is developing well.

Get some effective advice and help for their own career development from them—it'll be worth it!

Another great way to find out more about what your future career could look like is to use some online job search software.

Or, what kind of relevant experience do some great companies look for when recruiting people, and how can you improve your abilities by starting with the end in mind?

The good news is that the landlord is still focused on how to develop the direction of work.

It's great to let the direction of work become clearer and clearer! Every workplace person needs abilities in three directions:

1. Hard professional skills: These are the professional skills that are required for all positions! They include the professional strengths required for administration, human resources, sales, finance, and so much more!

2. Soft literacy skills: This is where it gets really exciting! This covers essential office skills, the ability to report on work, the ability to express oneself verbally, and the ability to coordinate and cooperate across departments.

3. Interpersonal skills: an expression of emotional intelligence. Learn how to leverage your strengths without exerting yourself and use your interpersonal skills to improve yourself!

With these three directions, you can see what abilities you need to improve—and you can do it!

There are also tons of awesome websites on the internet where you can learn: Get, B station, Xiaohongshu, etc., where people teach you how to improve various abilities in the workplace!

You can use your spare time to learn some awesome soft skills online! And in terms of hard skills, you can take your family's advice and get some relevant certificates.

And there's more! You can even examine your time management. Of course, if you really have the time, you can take a postgraduate course!

It can also boost your professional abilities and help you think more systematically!

Let's dive back in and talk about why you can't get involved in your current work.

The work is relatively simple, which means the host can complete it without having to pay full attention.

And we can also shape our character at work and find the true meaning of work!

And there's more! Work not only gives us an income to survive, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

These two feelings are unique to work and can't be found in any other relationship. It's a feeling that only work can give us!

A sense of belonging is the feeling of being truly valuable to society.

All the work we do must revolve around social value!

1. Solving social conflicts is one of the most rewarding things you can do! The more conflicts you resolve, the higher the commercial value.

2. And we can't forget about solving the needs of human survival! Things like clothing, food, shelter, and transportation are all part of our daily lives.

3. Some high-tech research and development may not have commercial value in the short term, but it will undoubtedly lead to another leap forward in human technology once it's successful!

You are doing a function, and the company where this function is located can solve certain problems. This is a sense of belonging, and society needs you!

The sense of accomplishment is the greatest significance you can get from your position, company, and industry!

This is not determined by how much you earn, but by the true meaning of the job—and it's a great one!

Take firefighters, doctors, police officers, and soldiers, for example. They work very hard, but they get a huge sense of accomplishment from their profession!

And there's more! You can also explore the great significance that your position and industry bring to society.

And discover what personal value and meaning he wants to achieve in this field!

If you're interested, you've got to read The Art of Doing by Inamori Kazuo!

The incredible achievements of Mr. Kazuo Inamori have captured the attention of people all over the globe!

He started his own business at the tender age of 27 and built two Fortune 500 companies, Kyocera and KDDI, with nothing but his bare hands over the next 40 years. He retired at the age of 65, but at the age of 78, he was repeatedly urged by the Japanese government to become the chairman of Japan Airlines, which was bankrupt and in need of reconstruction. In just one year, he brought Japan Airlines back from the brink of death and achieved the highest profit in the company's 60-year history! This profit was also the highest among the 727 airlines in the world at that time.

His experience when he was young was actually a bit similar to the landlord's, which was a great learning opportunity!

As a top student, he entered Matsukaze Industry, a company on the verge of bankruptcy, after graduating from university. His salary was paid late, there were internal conflicts among family members, and even when he went out to buy something at a small shop, the shopkeeper would say sympathetically, "Staying in this kind of company, be careful you can't find a wife!"

The newcomers who joined the company at the same time as Inamori resigned one after the other, and in the end, only he and another top student were left. The two of them discussed quitting their jobs after being accepted into the reserve officer training program of the Self-Defense Forces, which was an amazing opportunity!

Fortunately, the two men were accepted at the same time! Unfortunately, after learning the news of the job change, Inamori Kazuo's brother expressed his anger and refused to send the household register needed for admission, which ultimately resulted in Inamori Kazuo being left alone in this failing company.

At that time, Inamori Kazuo was going through a lot, but he kept his spirits up with one simple thought: "Quitting your job and changing to a new position may not be successful, so just get down to work!"

This decision marked the beginning of Kazuo Inamori's incredible journey of success! It all started with this company on the brink of bankruptcy, where he began his technical preparations for his entrepreneurial venture, Kyocera. He started with research into new ceramic materials, laying the foundation for his future success!

In such a company, Kazuo Inamori has actually found the incredible opportunity to start a business in the future, which is really admirable!

This is dedication! I think the main reason people can't dedicate themselves to work is:

1. The work could be more challenging!

2. There's so much room for growth in your competence!

The host can try to find some slightly challenging work. There are some amazing projects in the company that you can also try to undertake. In this process, you can really improve your abilities!

I really hope that the original poster can find meaning in their work, constantly hone their character, and meet a better version of themselves!

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Lilyana Martinez Lilyana Martinez A total of 6891 people have been helped

Hello, I am Yi Ya Shu, a mindfulness coach, and I would be honored to accompany you as you navigate your current challenges.

Your words indicate that you are currently experiencing some anxiety about your work and future plans. Given the competitive nature of the current job market, I can relate to your situation.

On the surface, it seems that you are confused and anxious about your future career. If you look deeper, it may be that you actually have great anxiety about the social environment and your own abilities. It could even be that you are experiencing a kind of existential anxiety.

It is possible that this anxiety may be influenced by society or by your family.

I wonder if I might suggest that you see the very popular Indian movie, 3 Idiots, if you haven't already done so.

In the play, there is a main character named Laja. Laja is a person who experiences significant existential anxiety. Due to his father's paralysis and the family's financial challenges, his mother bears a significant portion of the financial responsibility. This financial pressure often prevents him from fully relaxing. He is highly invested in his studies because he hopes to secure a stable job through completing his education and supporting his family.

It seems that he is experiencing a great deal of existential anxiety, which is preventing him from fully engaging with his studies. For him, schoolwork is primarily a means of selecting a career path. It appears that he lacks a genuine interest in life or learning. His thoughts are frequently occupied with how to meet the expectations of his teachers and successfully complete his education, as well as finding employment. It seems that he does not currently find any aspect of his life particularly enjoyable or meaningful. When he approaches learning with this significant anxiety, it naturally hinders his performance. He appears to be overly focused on anxiety and fear, and lacks the enthusiasm and energy to study rigorously.

The questioner is actually in a similar situation at the moment. It seems that you are experiencing a range of concerns about the future, including apprehension about the trajectory of your work, the adequacy of your current platform for your growth, and the potential for gender and age-related biases in the workplace. Additionally, you seem to be grappling with the question of whether you are optimally utilizing your free time, and whether this could impact your future prospects.

It seems that your main concerns are fear and worry. In this situation, it may be challenging to focus on improving and refining your work. These concerns are likely taking up a lot of your attention, which could be redirected towards more constructive thoughts and actions. It might be helpful to consider ways to adjust your anxiety and fear and cultivate a more peaceful state of mind.

If I might offer the questioner some advice, I would suggest…

Firstly, it is important to be aware of your anxiety and fear. It is true that the workplace can be competitive, but it is not necessary to worry every day. This kind of excessive worry can have a negative effect on your mental health.

Secondly, it would be beneficial to cultivate the things you really like and love, starting with the small things. It seems that the questioner currently lacks a real passion for anything. It may be that you are not as interested in your work as you could be. Work is a tool for you to survive. In this state, it is difficult for you to develop better. When you are not even interested in something, it can be challenging to make this work and your profession develop better.

It could be said that without enthusiasm, there is no creativity. Therefore, it is important to cultivate curiosity and enthusiasm for your work and profession, as this can be a valuable psychological resource.

Third, it might be helpful to give yourself more patience and to consider that the future is not always predictable. While planning is a valuable exercise, it's important to recognize that our current circumstances and the passage of time can influence the outcome of any prediction. Instead of making assumptions about the future based on the present, it might be more beneficial to focus on the present and to take a step back to gain a more comprehensive view of the situation.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. If you have any other questions, you are welcome to click the "Find a Coach" button at the bottom or top right corner, and we can arrange one-on-one communication.

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Raymond George Clark Raymond George Clark A total of 2745 people have been helped

You perceive this position as an inadequate utilization of your talents, yet you have considerable time at your disposal. In light of this, you might consider pursuing postgraduate certification. Should you not pass, it would be an invaluable learning experience. However, if you do succeed, you will gain a broader range of options and potentially gratify your parents.

It appears that the likelihood of pursuing a postgraduate certificate in the future is on the rise. When considered alongside the consistent feelings of insecurity regarding one's professional role, this indicates a lack of identification with one's current career path, which can be attributed to a deficiency in confidence in one's career position.

Those who strongly identify with their career may be better able to discern their true aspirations. They are also more likely to work diligently and embrace the present, thereby reducing the likelihood of remorse.

Despite earning a salary of approximately 10,000 yuan per month, you may still feel that your professional identity remains undifferentiated. It is possible that you have not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities within this relatively modest organisation. It might, therefore, be beneficial to consider your individual talents and whether your academic background aligns with your desired career trajectory.

Those who remain indecisive will inevitably find their time consumed by this uncertainty. It is not possible to secure the ideal position; rather, one must settle for a role that offers a degree of contentment.

It is possible to enhance one's abilities, but it is also essential to have a clear direction for improvement and a defined path for certification. As a professional heart exploration coach, I advise that you take the requisite career personality test to ascertain the optimal work direction for your personality, professional interests, skills, and experience.

Please clarify the meaning of ZQ.

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Comments

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Simone Miller Learning is a celebration of the human mind's capacity.

I can totally relate to feeling like your job isn't challenging you enough. It's tough when you feel stuck in a role that doesn't align with your aspirations. Maybe it's time to look for opportunities within or outside the company that can offer more specialized tasks or even consider a career change that better suits your skills and interests.

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Imogen Miller Success is the ability to transform failure into a valuable learning experience.

It sounds like you're at a crossroads in your career, and it's completely normal to feel uncertain about the future. Instead of worrying about what you should be doing, why not focus on what excites you? Take some time to explore different industries or roles that interest you. You could also seek out mentors or career coaches who can provide guidance and help you make informed decisions.

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Nathan Anderson We should encourage learning in all aspects of life, not just in school.

The concerns about discrimination are valid, but don't let them hold you back from pursuing your dreams. There are laws and organizations that protect against such practices. Consider building a strong portfolio or gaining experience through projects or volunteering. This way, you can showcase your abilities and stand out to potential employers, regardless of any biases.

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Blake Miller Time is a tapestry, and we are the weavers of our own stories.

Living in Beijing offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. With all the free time you have, you can take advantage of the city's resources, like attending workshops, networking events, or online courses. Further education and certifications could indeed open up new doors, but only if they align with your career goals and passions.

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Maxwell Davis The more we learn, the more we can inspire others to learn.

It's understandable to feel pressured by family expectations, but ultimately, your career path is yours to choose. If you believe that selfimprovement and exploring new opportunities are the right steps for you, then go for it. Trust yourself to make the best decision for your future. Remember, it's okay to take your time and figure things out as you go.

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