I had a successful career as a musician, teaching artist, and arts administrator. When people asked me what I did for a living, their response was often, “Oh wow, that must be fun!” I struggled to know how to respond. Over the years, a nagging voice inside me whispered, “Is this really what I’m meant to do?”
When the world—and the arts industry—came to a standstill during the pandemic, I found it harder to ignore that voice. As I let it in and began to consider the idea of a career change, my deeper fears came to light: “What if I’m not smart enough?” “What if I fail?” “What will people think?” It took a lot of soul-searching, processing, and conversations before I could see that beneath those fears was the realization that I wanted to make a change. Even more challenging was believing that I had the right to make a change—and harder still, trusting that I had something valuable to offer the world. It was not a quick or effortless process. But in the end, I decided to move forward.
Change isn’t easy. It was humbling and uncomfortable to walk into a classroom and be decades older than everyone in the room (including the teacher!). Tackling coursework after years away from academia and navigating the self-doubt that inevitably arises when learning new things has been rough at times. But change can also be exhilarating. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with my sense of purpose, rediscover my resilience, and see what I’m capable of.
Society often tells us that certain milestones need to be achieved by a specific age—that by your 30s or 40s, you should have it all figured out. This leads so many of us to make decisions from a place of fear, conformity, and obligation rather than a connection with our inner knowing. But life is not linear, and it truly is never too late to change course or try something new. Whether you’re 25 or 65, the decision to pursue what inspires you is always valid.
For anyone considering making a change, here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Be Patient With Yourself – Growth takes time. It’s okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed as you navigate unfamiliar territory. Trust that every step, no matter how small, is tremendous progress.
Embrace a Beginner’s Mindset – Starting new things is an opportunity to approach life with curiosity and openness. Learning to say, “I don’t know,” and letting go of the pressure to have all the answers can feel incredibly liberating.
Draw Strength From Your Past – There’s only one you, and your life experiences have immeasurable value. They’ve shaped who you are and provide you with unique insights that will strengthen and enrich your new path.
Seek Support – Our individualistic society encourages and celebrates accomplishing things on your own, but the truth is, we all need support. Whether it’s from friends, family, mentors, or a therapist (or all of the above!), having a support system will make all the difference as you navigate change.
Celebrate Your Progress – It takes bravery to step out of your comfort zone and pursue something new. Whether it’s a new career, a new relationship, or a new hobby, acknowledge your bravery and strength, and give yourself credit for taking a leap.
Embarking on this journey to become a therapist has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. We are never finished growing, never finished dreaming, and never finished becoming the people we are meant to be. Whether your next step involves a career shift, a personal goal, or simply showing up more authentically as your truest self, it matters—and I applaud you!
If you’re standing at the edge of a new beginning, I encourage you to take that first step. The path ahead may be uncertain, but it is full of awesome possibilities. And you are never too old, too late, or too anything. You got this.
With love,
Lisa Urrico
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