Regret. It’s something we all feel at some point in life, especially when we look back on our younger selves and wonder what might have been if we’d made different choices. For many, the feeling of wishing they’d worked harder, studied more, or taken a different path can be overwhelming. And it can be even more intense when the struggles of youth weren’t just about the choices we made, but the circumstances that shaped our ability to make them.
I’m no stranger to this feeling. Growing up, I faced a number of challenges: I struggled with a stammer, which led to bullying and feelings of isolation. My relationship with my father was strained, with high expectations and harsh criticism becoming a source of emotional weight I carried for years. I didn’t fully understand the value of hard work or self-belief, which led to missed opportunities. But, as I’ve come to realize, those early years didn’t define me—they shaped me, and they gave me the tools to make a bigger impact now.
Reflecting on the Past: A Look at What Could Have Been
Looking back, there are things I wish I had done differently—decisions that might have led to a different life trajectory. I went to a great private school, but I didn’t work hard enough. If I had put in more effort, I could have gotten into a better college, become a stronger engineer, spoken better English, and perhaps even made an impact on a global scale.
I’ve often wondered how different my life would have been if I had pushed harder in those formative years. Maybe I would have ended up working with a smarter circle of people, those who could have challenged and motivated me in ways I never had access to. And while these “what-ifs” can be painful, they’re also a part of growing and understanding how far I’ve come.
Turning Regret into Action
But here’s the thing: regret is not the end. It’s a signal that you’ve grown, that you’re able to look back with more wisdom, and that you’re ready to make changes in the present. I may not have taken the path I thought I should have, but I’ve learned to focus on what I can do now. The lessons I’ve learned from my struggles—resilience, self-awareness, and the drive to grow—are far more important than the mistakes I made.
And what’s even more important is that it’s never too late to begin again.
A New Chapter: Making Global Impact in Tech
As I move forward in my career, I’ve set my sights on working at a high-growth startup with a team of talented, driven people. Startups offer the kind of environment where I can truly thrive—building global products that solve real-world problems. The fast pace, the constant learning, the opportunity to work on something that matters—all of that excites me.
One of my dreams has always been to make an impact in the tech scene, where innovation thrives at a scale I’ve always admired. It’s where the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and global scale is most readily available.
How to Make an Impact: Practical Steps
- Refine Your Profile: Make sure your LinkedIn, GitHub, and resume highlight the technologies and projects that are in high demand. Emphasize skills that are directly transferable to the kind of startups you’re interested in.
- Start Networking: Attend tech events, virtual meetups, and conferences where you can connect with professionals in the field. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you'll find.
- Apply for Remote Roles: Many startups are open to hiring remote workers. This can be your entry point to a high-growth company, and if you're performing well, you can eventually transition to an on-site role if that’s the direction you want to go in.
- Upskill Continuously: Keep up with new technologies and trends, especially those that are in demand. Upskilling and staying current with the latest developments in the tech world will make you an even more attractive candidate.
- Find a Startup That Matches Your Passion: Seek out companies that align with your values and goals. Startups offer a unique opportunity to work on projects that have real-world impact and can shape industries.
The Journey Continues
As I reflect on my past, I realize that the path I’ve taken—although not perfect—has brought me here, to this place of growth and opportunity. There’s still so much to do, and the world is filled with potential waiting to be unlocked.
So if you’re in a similar position—feeling like you missed out on opportunities in the past but wanting to make a change—don’t be discouraged. The journey isn’t linear, but it’s still full of possibility. Whether it’s in tech or any other field, you can still build the life and career that excites you. The best part? You’ve got the experience and wisdom to make it happen.