I made a drastic career pivot at 27 and regretted it. Here are 3 things I wish I had done differently.

Justine Tello.

Courtesy of Justine Tello

• Former PR professional Justine Tello reflects on a challenging switch to high school teaching in 2024.
• Her career dissatisfaction and lack of clear goals led her to a short-lived teaching role.
• The lessons she learned emphasize intentional career planning and aligning work with personal values.

In July 2024, five years into my career, I made a drastic job switch that I would soon come to regret.

Following about a year of disenchantment at my workplace...