“I optimized for getting hired, not for where the role could take me. I wish I'd compared growth paths, skills, and compensation before saying yes.”— Early-career professional
“I followed the first path that felt available. I wish I'd understood the market sooner and made each move with a longer-term plan.”— Recent graduate
“I kept waiting for the right opportunity to appear. I wish I'd set a target role earlier and built the skills, proof, and network to reach it.”— Early-career professional, 3 yrs