Why does everyone else seem to have their career figured out?

The illusion that everyone else has their career perfectly mapped out is one of the most persistent myths of professional life. In reality, most people are making it up as they go along, pivoting when opportunities arise, and dealing with their own uncertainties about whether they're on the right path. The difference is that our culture rewards projecting finding identity/building-confidence" class="internal-link">building confidence and having a clear narrative, so people learn to present their career journey as more intentional and linear than it actually was. Social media and professional networking have amplified this illusion by encouraging people to share their successes while hiding their struggles, confusion, and setbacks. You see the job announcements and promotions, but not the months of uncertainty, the applications that were rejected, or the imposter syndrome that comes with new roles. Even people who seem to have dream careers often deal with doubt, boredom, or wondering if they should be doing something else. The pressure to have everything figured out is particularly intense for young adults, but the reality is that career development is a lifelong process. Many successful people have had multiple careers, changed directions in their 40s or 50s, or discovered their true calling much later than expected. Instead of trying to have it all figured out, focus on taking the next right step, staying curious about what interests you, and being open to opportunities that might not fit your original plan.