The Hard Truth No One Tells Young Professionals

This wasn't the article I intended to write. 

When I first imagined sharing my experiences as a young professional, I pictured an upbeat story about setting career goals and getting promoted. I had just sat down with my boss to map out the year ahead—a year we both thought would be big for my professional growth. I felt energized, determined, and ready to make an impact.

But life had other plans. 

In less than a year, I lost three grandparents and a beloved great aunt. It felt like before I could even catch my breath from one loss, another knocked the wind out of me. Pursuing my big, ambitious goals felt impossible. Most of my energy was consumed by grief. I watched deadlines and milestones pass me by while I struggled to hold myself together. 

It was a tough pill to swallow: the world doesn’t stop spinning, even when your heart is breaking. Bills still come, emails pile up, and your to-do list only gets longer. This is the messy, nonstop, unpredictable world of "adulting" that we all have to learn to navigate.

Here are a few things I learned along the way that might help you find your footing:

1. “Adulting” doesn’t mean facing everything alone. 

It’s easy to believe that independence means handling everything on your own. But taking responsibility for yourself doesn’t mean you can’t lean on your support system during tough times. Sharing your struggles doesn’t make you any less capable—it reminds you that you’re not alone.

2. You can’t plan for everything.

Even if you have a plan B, C, and D, life will eventually catch you off guard. So embrace the mess. You can’t pause your personal life to focus on your career, and vice versa. Learning to take things one step at a time during the hard moments will serve you just as well when things are going smoothly.

3. Communication goes a long way.

I was open with my boss about what I was going through, and she showed me the grace I needed. She encouraged me to take time off when I needed it and reminded me that life unfolds one day at a time. I held on to that idea. Even when I didn’t feel like I was doing my best, I kept showing up—one day at a time.

Despite everything, I continued to grow, both personally and professionally. With the challenges came perspective and strength. Life didn’t stop, and I didn’t let myself stop either.

I look forward to the day when I am a seasoned professional with years of life and challenges under my belt. But for now, I will cherish this moment in my life and remain grateful for the many mountains and hills that may come, confident in my ability to overcome them.

Gabby will lead the 2025 Emerging Leaders Network Accelerator on November 10, 2025. Space is limited—learn more and reserve your spot here.