We’ve all seen the headlines: “10 Habits of the World’s Wealthiest People” or “What I Wish I Knew Before I Made My First Million.” It’s polished, it’s aspirational, and frankly, it usually feels like it’s written for a completely different species. When you’re a student staring down a terrifyingly blank job board, a billionaire's advice on optimizing your morning routine feels like a slap in the face.
We’ve all seen the headlines: “10 Habits of the World’s Wealthiest People” or “What I Wish I Knew Before I Made My First Million.” It’s polished, it’s aspirational, and frankly, it usually feels like it’s written for a completely different species. When you’re a student staring down a terrifyingly blank job board, a billionaire's advice on optimizing your morning routine feels like a slap in the face.
The truth is, we often stay quiet because we think our specific struggles—the career pivot, the identity crisis, the guilt of switching programs—are niche anomalies. But the advice that sticks comes from the person ten steps ahead of you on the same trail. Here is a collection of insights from people currently in the thick of it: those navigating the "Internal Pivot."
The Program Switcher
To kick this off, I wanted to share a bit of my own experience. Back in 2023, I started at Mohawk in the Broadcasting – Television and Communications Media program. As a filmmaker, I wanted to skip the traditional film school route while still staying in a creative, film-adjacent world. The program taught me a lot, but deep down, I knew the fit just wasn’t my right fit. I, an existentialist, spent so much time on the fence, paralyzed by the fear that I was "setting myself back." I was terrified of losing the reputation I’d built with my professors and the thought of having to start over from scratch to make new friends felt exhausting.
I had to stop and realize that staying in a room that feels wrong is a much bigger setback than starting over in a room that you are meant to be in. I eventually trusted my intuition and made the switch into Advertising and Marketing Communications Management, and it was the best decision I could’ve made for my education. I haven't just grown as a student; I’ve found my best friends and a faculty network that pushes me to be a better student and creative.
The truth is that no matter how "wrong" a decision feels in the heat of the moment, it will always be the right decision for you because you were the one brave enough to make it. You aren't "behind" anyone else's schedule when you are finally moving in the right direction.
The Career Changer
Returning to school in your 30s means trading a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of being a beginner again. It’s a transition that requires a specific kind of humility and a total shift in how you view success. Shane is currently in the thick of this, now halfway through a three-year program. He had some thoughts to share about the reality of pivoting careers and finding your footing in a classroom where you’re no longer the one in charge.
How do you navigate being "the adult in the room" during group projects without accidentally becoming the "parent" of the group?
Shane: I thought I would struggle with this more than I do. At first, I was really worried that I was going to be ancient and I would have nothing in common with my peers. I learned pretty quickly that this was not going to be the case. It turns out, we still have lots in common and as long as you come in with an open mind and are willing to learn the age gap will disappear pretty quickly.
The parent of the group really comes down to personality. I do find I sometimes feel like a parent because I have set myself up to be. I love what I do, and enjoy trying to help everyone with their projects which starts to naturally put me into a “parent” position. To that same point, there are several people in my program that are the same age as me or older that need to be parented more than they will parent anyone. It really comes down to your outlook on the program and how you want people to perceive you.
What is the biggest advantage of having "life miles" on you that your 20-year-old peers don't realize is a superpower in the classroom?
Shane: Life Experience. I am in a creative program, and we are frequently told to “steal like an artist”. I have an extra 10 years of experience that I am able to pull from when I am coming up with new concepts. The other big one is work ethic. Because I have had years to develop a proper (or lack thereof) work/life balance, I don’t need to try to figure out how to live on my own, while doing schoolwork and working a part time job. I have done a similar amount of work for years, and am already used to having to rework my life to maintain a healthy balance, where I see my peers still struggling with determining what their priorities are and the best way to enjoy life while ensuring they can get their work done.
After having a paycheck and a title, how do you protect your self-worth when you're back to being a "beginner" who's graded on a curve.
Shane: You need to be willing to start from scratch and know that doesn’t mean that you lose your worth from your previous career. You need to remind yourself that this isn’t just a restart, it is adding onto a set of skills you already have. For me, this was the biggest struggle. It’s easy to forget that you have lots of life experience, and sometimes it does feel like you are failing because everything feels new and different. But if you stop to take a look around you will see that a lot of your skills are transferable even if you might not realize it at first. Social skills, strong work ethic and time management are all skills that you will learn in any career that are transferable and are able to make you a stronger student.
The Takeaway: You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be
If these conversations prove one thing, it’s that starting over isn't a setback—it's a strategy. Whether you're 19 or 35, the bravery to realize a room feels "wrong" is exactly what leads you to the one where you’ll thrive. Stay tuned for next week, where we talk to the people navigating the "External Shift"—athletes, international students, and soon-to-be grads facing the gap between the classroom and the career.