POST #9: An Unconventional Path: Reflections on Career Planning Missteps

During my high school years, my aversion to the idea of attending college was unquestionable. The prospect of joining the corporate world simply didn't stir up any enthusiasm within me. Indeed, I was already engrossed in various jobs seven days a week, with multiple income streams lined up by the age of 18. With such early successes, I was able to open my own restaurant shortly after high school, making college seem like a distant, irrelevant concept.

The journey from a staunch anti-college advocate and aspiring chef to an accomplished finance/accounting professional armed with several degrees, was far from linear. My success in the realms of accounting, finance, and business operations has been driven by my genuine enjoyment of my work. No sum of money can buy the satisfaction or the enthusiasm I garner from my work. Over time, my entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the understanding of how my small business background could align with corporate accounting, was a captivating revelation.

As I reflect back on my early years, I realize my trajectory was anything but straightforward. From ages 17 to 21, I graduated high school viewing college as an extravagant waste of time and resources. Yet, I was confident in my plan of becoming a wealthy restaurateur and chef. My first restaurant, Bombay Grill, opened its doors in 2005, and became a prosperous venture.

During these years, I also gained corporate experience by working at US Bank from the fall of 2003, though I eventually sold my restaurant in 2006. My life seemed to take on a rollercoaster-like quality, but it was just the beginning of an unpredictable journey.

Between the ages of 21 and 25, my life underwent another transformation. During high school, I had made a promise to my mother to secure a college degree. Despite my resistance and attempts to avoid this commitment, my mother's unwavering resolve finally persuaded me. Choosing a major that seemed interesting yet not overly challenging, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy (Statistical Analytics) & American Government in precisely two years and three months.

Despite graduating with a 3.47 GPA, I couldn't escape the feeling that I had missed out on an enriching college experience. Focusing merely on obtaining the degree and juggling between college and managing the restaurant had been challenging. A few months after my graduation, I realized that my passion for running a restaurant had dwindled. I subsequently sold my restaurant and made a spur-of-the-moment decision to attend law school, which was a decision I would later regret.

Disenchanted by the prospect of practicing law after three semesters, I instead opted to pursue an MBA program in Florida. The MBA journey was transformative; I absorbed every iota of knowledge from my coursework. I frequently quote concepts from my negotiations class, and my financial statement analysis textbook serves as a crucial reference to this day.

From the age of 24 up until the present day, my career trajectory has seen a myriad of changes. My MBA professor's recommendation landed me a junior analyst position in the Strategic Planning department at Full Sail University. I served at Full Sail from June 2011 until July 2021, playing multiple roles, thanks to the mentorship and opportunities provided by my amazing mentors.

Over this past decade, my work life has spanned from roles as VP of Sales to Interim-CFO, with opportunities to live and work in diverse locations such as Rio De Janeiro, Denver, Singapore, and Orlando.

My career path sharply contrasts with my wife's more straightforward journey. She has been with Ernst and Young since graduating college and has worked on audits for some of the world's most prominent companies. With an impeccable academic background and regular job offers, my wife serves as the ideal example of proper career planning and execution.

However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend others to emulate my educational or professional journey. I have made several mistakes, including not giving due thought to potential careers while in high school, not taking the time to understand the legal profession before embarking on law school, and rushing to graduate as early as possible without making the most out of my college experience.

From my journey, the most valuable lesson I've extracted is to be intentional and thoughtful in every pursuit. Whether you're a student or a working professional, take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience or enhance your skills. Set your objectives first, value your time, and then work on a well-thought-out plan of execution. My story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make the right career choices, but an intentional, thoughtful approach can save a lot of time, money, and headaches.