Your First Job Isn’t Supposed to Be Perfect (But Here’s How to Make It Work)

May 2, 2025

Spoiler alert: your first job is probably not going to be your dream job—and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

1. The Cold Truth: Your First Job Probably Won’t Be a Dream Job

If your first big-girl job was your dream job, you’re either extremely lucky or lying. Most of us land in entry-level roles that feel kind of… meh. And that’s normal. Every job teaches you what you like, what you hate, and what to look for next.

My story:

After nannying for a year post-grad, my first “real” job was as a microbiologist in a quality control lab.  I expected cutting-edge science, lab coats, maybe a cure for cancer. Instead, it was repetitive tasks in a factory lab—important, but not exactly world-changing. For some people who have experience and connections in research, it’s probably easier for them to get into those meaningful jobs. But for me, it was a shot in the dark taking this job because I felt no real direction with it.

The reality is:

You have to learn how to make the most of whatever job you land. Every role won’t be designed for your personal growth—you have to carve that path yourself. Look for the skills, insights, and lessons that’ll help you move forward.

And yes, it’s exhausting. Full-time work hits hard. Suddenly, your life is waking up early, endless emails and meetings, and meal-prepping for lunch breaks. If you feel overwheled or overworked in your first job, that’s completely normal. It’s a huge shift. But here’s the truth:

“It’s a stepping stone, not a life sentence.”

I spent months job hunting with a biomedical degree and zero research experience because I used my summers to travel (worth it). People judged my nannying era hard, but I made money, stayed flexible, and ran a reselling business on the side that taught me skills I still use today.

The sooner you get in your head that your first job is going to feel like you’re flopping around like a fish out of water, the better.

2. Expectations to Drop Immediately

It doesn’t have to be in your degree field.

If it teaches you one solid skill you can take forward, it’s still valuable.

It doesn’t have to feel meaningful yet.

You might be working for “the man” right now. But someday, those boring skills might help you launch something deeply meaningful.

It probably won’t “launch” your career overnight.

One year at your first job isn’t going to make you a CEO. It’s about building foundations.

You don’t have to love it—you just have to learn from it.

My expectation vs. reality:

I imagined myself diving into reproductive genetics. Instead, I was testing factory wipes. Not sexy. But I leaned into it and figured out what I enjoyed (routine, process improvement) and what drained me (repetition, lack of creativity, inefficiencies).

3. What Actually Matters in a First Job

• A non-toxic manager. Honestly, if your boss isn’t a nightmare, that’s a win.
  
• Learning basic adulting skills.Time management, problem-solving, and showing up even when you don’t want to? Those are major career assets.
  
• Real-world experience. Communication, task-switching, and boundary-setting aren’t glamorous, but they are essential.
  
• Self-awareness. Ask yourself: What parts of the job energize me? What parts do I hate? That’s your career compass.
  

A random win for me: I realized I love organizing workflows and optimizing systems—things I never knew I’d enjoy. I also realized I absolutely love AI. Now I’m wondering how many countless business opportunities there are combining those!

4. How to Make It Work (Even If You Kinda Hate It)

• Add structure to your days.  Create routines that keep you sane. Pack a lunch you actually look forward to. Make your breaks sacred.
  
• Set micro-goals. Learn one thing a week. Connect with someone new. Get feedback. Little wins matter.
  
• Explore future paths in your off time. I used my random weekdays off to learn AI and build a side business. It gave me purpose beyond the job.
  
• Talk to others in your field. DM people, set up coffee chats, ask questions. A 20-minute convo can spark an entirely new idea.
  

5. When (and How) to Move On

Red flags: Toxic management, no learning opportunities, can’t pay your bills = time to go.

Stick it out if: You’re still learning, the job isn’t draining your soul, and you haven’t been there a year yet.

Make a strategic exit: Take free courses to test out new paths, browse job boards, and upskill before you make a move.

Shift your mindset: You’re not stuck. You’re strategizing. This is just one part of a much bigger story.

6. Final Pep Talk

Your job path won’t look like anyone else’s. Some people pivot five times. Some people land the dream job at 35. There’s no deadline.

You don’t have to thrive right away. Surviving is okay too.

And you can always pivot. You’re allowed to change your mind, try again, and grow. You’re still early in the game.

I’d love to hear about your first job story. DM me or comment below—what helped you survive it or pivot out of it?