When things go wrong, I change my direction
Finding success on YOUR own terms | ⨠Dev Shorts #5 - short and meaningful
In tech, thereâs pressure to always move forwardâclimbing the career ladder, shipping projects, growing nonstop. But what if moving forward doesnât feel right?
For a long time, I chased a version of success that wasnât really mine. I thought it meant ticking off milestones in a straight line. But sometimes, things go wrong. Roles that drain you. Projects that donât fit your values and needs. Plans that just donât work.
In those moments, I learned to stop pushing harder and instead change direction. Not because I failed, but because I evolved.
The Myth of the Linear Path
Careers rarely follow a straight line.
Iâve had moments that looked like progress but felt off inside. Staying in the same lane too longâeven if itâs âsuccessfulââcan quietly limit you. Movement doesnât always mean growth.
Sometimes, taking another route or a different one isnât a setback. Itâs a chance to find a path that fits you better.
When to Rethink Your Direction
Changing course usually begins with a feeling and not a sudden decision.
Here are signs Iâve learned to watch for:
Youâre no longer learning or challenged.
Growth stalls and curiosity fades.
Your values donât match your work anymore.
You might feel uneasy with decisions or disconnected from the mission.
You feel drained, not energized.
The work takes more than it gives.
Youâre staying for comfort, not fulfillment.
Familiarity can trap us.
Recognizing these signs is the first step to knowing when itâs time to change.
Real-Life Redirections
For me, changing direction meant leaving roles that no longer fit my values or growth goals. It meant walking away from side projects that werenât meaningful anymore. And it meant shifting my mindsetâredefining success from titles and hustle to balance, impact, and learning.
These werenât failures but recalibrationsânecessary shifts toward what truly matters.
Lessons Learned
Flexibility is a strength. Being able to pivot builds resilience.
Failure is feedback, not a verdict. Things going wrong teach you what doesnât work.
Detours can lead to better places. The path you imagine isnât always the best one.
Growth often happens quietly. Not every change is visible immediately.
Your definition of success will evolveâand thatâs okay.
Some advice for my fellow Devs
Changing direction isnât giving upâitâs choosing growth on your terms.
Pay attention to how you feel early and often.
Donât fear quitting what doesnât serve you.
Reframe setbacks as chances to learn and pivot.
Be kind to yourself; everyoneâs journey is unique.
Stay curious and open to unexpected opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Changing direction isnât easy, but itâs one of the most powerful ways to grow. When things go wrong, pause and ask yourself: Is this the path I really want?
If the answer is no, changing direction might be exactly what you need.
Until next time,
â Stefania
If this sparked something for you, Iâd love to hear it.
Have you ever changed course in your career or life? Share this experience with me or your communityâbecause when we learn from each other, we grow and help others tackle similar experiences.
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