May 27, 2025, by Jackie Thompson
Lessons, missteps, and wins: My honest career journey
By Havanah Virtue-James, Nutrition and Dietetics
Image by Christopher Stites, from Unsplash
When I started university, I had a clear idea of the area I wanted to specialise in as a dietitian. But by the second year, my interests changed, and by the third year, I was somewhere in between. Alongside exploring ideas for side hustling, juggling various job roles and being at university, I’ve faced challenges, tackled countless interviews, and adapted to unexpected changes. Through all this, I’ve made missteps, picked up lessons, and celebrated wins that matter more than I realised.
Lesson#1: You learn by doing, not just planning
In my second year, I applied for this student blogger role, but with my head occupied at the time, I forgot to include a key part of the application, and didn’t get it. However, I was determined and knew the role would reopen the following year, so I applied again, and this time I got it. Blogging has always been a strong interest of mine, and this role helped me to overcome my fear of starting my own. Now I have finally begun that process, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
Misstep #1: Overcommitting leads to burnout
In the past, I‘d balanced a couple of roles, but never alongside university. During my third year, I overestimated my ability to manage it all: studying, drafting a dissertation, blogging for UoN, working as a subject ambassador, editing my own blog, and saying yes to new job offers.
I was aware I could get overwhelmed under pressure, but financial stress made me feel I had no choice but to push through. Even though I was already stretched thin, I convinced myself I had this all under control. Eventually, I took a step back and made the difficult but right decision to turn down one of the new jobs before it started. Looking back, I’m glad I did.
Win #1: Growth isn’t always flashy
Not every success has to be public; some of the most meaningful wins are quiet. Sometimes it’s speaking up in a meeting, getting positive feedback after a shift or simply showing up on a tough day.
One of my proudest moments (or as I call it, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made) was choosing to leave my nursing master’s degree. I was miserable, broke, unsupported and fell into depression. But that experience taught me I had the inner strength and bravery to walk away from something that wasn’t right for me, even when I thought it was.
It’s been a learning curve
My career journey so far hasn’t been straightforward, but it has been meaningful and a great learning curve for me personally.
From missteps and moments of doubt to small wins and breakthroughs, each experience has played a part in my personal growth and confidence-building. I have learnt it is okay to say no, to change direction and sometimes take the slower pathway that allows you to put you and your wellbeing first. The Careers team is committed to offering support for you to maintain your wellbeing during any work you take on.
If you would like to talk to a member of our team about any aspect of your career, whether you know what you want to do or not, book an appointment with us. We are here all over the summer.
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