By Robin Legat
WISE San Diego Board of Directors - VP of Communications
If you’re fresh out of college and just starting your professional journey, this post may not feel relevant yet—but bookmark it. One day, it might be.
Today, I’m talking to those of you questioning whether the career path you've been on still fits your life. Maybe you're eyeing a pivot to a new industry, dreaming of launching a business, or simply craving something more aligned with who you are now.
We’ve been conditioned to believe in a traditional life path: go to college, choose a major, and follow that path for decades. For many of us, that’s what our parents did—my father, for example, worked at the same company for over 25 years, which is increasingly rare today.
But when you zoom out, it’s a little wild to expect anyone to know in their early 20s what they want to do for the rest of their life.
Changing Careers Is More Common Than You Think
Career changes aren’t unusual—they’re normal. A 2021 edX survey found that 29% of U.S. adults aged 25–44 have made a career change. Broader estimates suggest 30–50% of people shift careers at some point. And according to a 2022 LinkedIn survey, women are about 20% more likely to switch sectors than men.
So whether you’re already feeling the itch for something new or just want to be ready if it hits later, let’s talk about what this looks like—and how to make the transition smoother.
Life Has Seasons—Your Career Can Too
After graduating with a degree in Mass Communications, I landed a job as a radio DJ. It was fun, especially in my twenties—but the industry came with instability, frequent moves, and burnout. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t the life I wanted long-term.
The bigger lesson? Life moves in seasons. What works in one phase might not in the next. You might crave better work-life balance or feel pulled toward a new passion. That desire for change is valid—and worth exploring.
Identifying and Filling the Gaps
After I stepped away from radio, I floated from job to job, unsure of what came next. Meanwhile, I played roller derby as a hobby and eventually began coaching new skaters. That’s when I discovered a love for teaching and empowering others—and realized I wanted to pursue fitness professionally.
But that meant filling some serious knowledge gaps. As a communications major, I hadn’t taken many science courses. So I enrolled in a University Extension Program, studying anatomy, physiology, and nutrition to earn my certifications.
If you're considering a career shift, ask yourself: What skills or knowledge do you need? Whether it’s online courses, certification programs, or formal education, there are plenty of ways to bridge the gap—even if you’re on a budget, thanks to scholarships and grants.
Thinking of starting a business? Your learning curve might include marketing, sales, setting up a legal entity, or managing tech tools. But the same principle applies: figure out what you need, then take deliberate steps to get it
Build a Reputation Before You Need It
No matter where you are in your career, one thing remains true: your reputation matters. Be someone who brings positivity, contributes value, and builds authentic connections—not just when you're job hunting, but all the time.
After earning my fitness certifications and eventually opening my own gym, the pandemic forced me to close its doors. I struggled to keep my business going online and once again found myself at a crossroads. But years of showing up, adding value, and nurturing relationships paid off—those connections helped open the door to a new role in the corporate world.
The key takeaway: Don’t wait until you need help to start showing up. When you consistently lead with generosity, people notice. And when the time comes to make a move, they’ll remember.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Stuck
There’s no rule that says you have to stick with one career forever. Life changes. You change. And your career can evolve too.
When you listen to your intuition, stay open to learning, and act with intention, you might just find your life heading in a direction more exciting than anything you imagined.
Here’s to your next chapter—whenever it begins.
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Robin Legat serves as the VP of Communications on the Board of Directors for WISE San Diego, where she champions the advancement and empowerment of women in the business of sports and events. With a background that spans marketing, fitness, and athletic leadership, she brings a unique perspective to the industry.
Professionally, Robin is the Marketing Manager for Spartan DEKA, a leading brand in the hybrid fitness space. She combines strategic insight with creative execution to promote inclusive, community-driven fitness events nationwide. Often on roller skates.