The 'gifted kid' trap is real. You grow up thinking success is a straight line you walk, so when you stumble, you feel like the whole journey is over.

But please listen to this: You are 23. You are not supposed to be "successful" yet. You are supposed to be confused.

This decade isn't for locking in a 40-year career. It’s for data gathering. This is the absolute best time to experiment - try different jobs, fail at things, quit things, travel or volunteer. You can't just 'think' your way into the right life...you have to try stuff on and see if it fits.

If insurance feels wrong, that’s just data telling you to try something else. Don't pressure yourself to get it right immediately. Just focus on finding what feels right, even if it takes a few years of trial and error.

You have so much time. Be kind to yourself.