The Career Path I Didn’t Choose—and the Lessons It Taught Me

Fifteen years ago, HR was never part of the plan. Somehow, the experiences I collected along the way quietly steered me here — no grand vision, no conviction, just one decision at a time leading to the next.

And honestly? Until two or three years ago, I wasn't even sure this was the right field for me. It frustrated me sometimes. So, I tried shifting my perspective: how many people actually have 100% conviction about what they do for a living? If you're one of them, consider yourself lucky. Most of us are figuring it out as we go.

Despite not choosing this path deliberately, I've not only survived — I've grown. And I've come to believe that where I am is the outcome of the best decisions I could make at each point in time. So here is the advice I'd give my younger self — the one who regularly doubted the road ahead. If I had embraced these earlier, I think I would have enjoyed the journey more and achieved more with less unnecessary trial and error.

I also believe these apply to anyone working in the corporate world, regardless of field.

1. Don't assume your manager knows what you're doing — or what you want.

Growing up in an Asian culture, I was taught that letting others know about your achievements felt like boasting. Better to stay humble and let the work speak for itself. But here's the reality: the people around you — including your manager — are not mind readers. They're busy navigating their own priorities. If you work in silence or keep your ambitions to yourself, don't expect others to notice or advocate for you.

You don't need to broadcast everything. But do leverage the moments you have — a one-on-one, a project check-in, a casual conversation — to share your progress and what you're hoping for. People remember what they hear. Give them something to remember you by.

2. Say yes to the work nobody else wants.

There's value in doing what you're good at. But there's a different kind of value in taking on the projects that make everyone else look the other way. The work nobody wants is usually the work nobody's fighting you for — which means it's yours to own.

Will you struggle? Probably. Might you fail? Possibly. But what you gain — the experience of being stretched, the visibility that comes from stepping up, the doors that open unexpectedly — is something no comfortable assignment will ever give you. The best combination is work that is both tough and unpopular. Take it seriously, and it becomes very difficult to be ignored.

3. Sweat the small stuff — especially early on.

When you're earlier in your career, you are closer to the ground than your manager. That's not a disadvantage — it's an opportunity. Deliver the small asks perfectly. Nail the details that others overlook.

I still think about a workshop I helped organize early in my career. Something as seemingly minor as name tag preparation — the font, the placement, the accuracy — shaped how participants experienced the room before a single word was spoken. The devil really is in the details. And learning to execute well at that level builds something invaluable: trust. Leaders give more responsibility to people they trust to get things right.

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After writing all of this, I realize these reminders still apply to me today.

I may or may not still be in HR by 2036. But I'm certain of this: these three things — being visible, embracing hard work, and caring about the details — have shaped who I am professionally far more than any job title or career plan ever could.

The path doesn't have to be intentional to be meaningful. Sometimes the dots only make sense when you look back.

Writer: Katherine

Published: 13/07/2026

Note: The information provided is purely for entertainment purposes and does not encompass the views of TWIS as an entity. These are written by our volunteers and showcase their personal experiences and stories. Take what is helpful to you and leave behind what does not resonate.

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