The Advice I Ignored for Years And Why I Regret It Now
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already know.
You’ve heard it from creators.
From freelancers.
From people not too different from you…
Learn digital marketing, it will change your life.
I used to nod and scroll past.
Because for the longest time, I didn’t think I needed it.
I Had a “Good” Career… So I Thought
For over a decade, I worked in some of the most well-known advertising and marketing agencies across Europe.
Big campaigns. Global brands.
I was a Digital Project Manager with a great track record.
And back then, I didn’t think digital marketing was for me.
I was already working in marketing, I didn’t need to learn how to build a brand or sell a product online.
That’s for influencers.
That’s for people without corporate experience.
That’s for someone who needs a side hustle.
So I ignored the advice.
And kept working contract to contract.
CV to CV. Recruiter to recruiter.
Then the Industry Shifted
Post-pandemic, the contracts slowed.
The day rates dropped.
The job boards were flooded with applicants, 100+ in under an hour for roles I used to land easily.
Suddenly, being great at my job wasn’t enough.
That’s when reality hit:
- I had no backup plan.
- No digital presence.
- No way to package or sell what I knew.
- No income unless someone said “yes” to my application.
I Regret Not Starting Sooner
I regret:
- Thinking I was “too senior” to need this
- Believing I’d always be in demand
- Waiting until I felt stuck to figure it out
Because digital marketing?
It’s not just for influencers.
It’s for anyone who wants to own their income.
And now that I’ve stepped into it, I’ve realised how much potential I left on the table.
What I Wish I’d Done Earlier
- Built a brand around what I already knew
- Created a simple product or service to help others
- Used AI to speed up the learning curve
- Stopped thinking “this isn’t for me”
If You’re Where I Was…
Still holding on to the “safe” job…
Still ignoring that quiet gut feeling…
Still thinking, “maybe one day.”
Let this post be your permission slip to start.
Not because you’re desperate.
But because you’re smart enough to build something before you need it.
Want a Shortcut?
If you’re not sure where to start, I made this for you:
The Career Pivot Roadmap
A free guide to help you:
- Identify what you know
- Package it into something digital
- Build quietly, without showing your face if that’s what you prefer
Final Word
I don’t regret my career. I had a great time and meet some amazing people.
But I regret ignoring the advice that could’ve made me recession-proof, client-proof, AI proof and algorithm-proof, years ago.
Start now.
Before you need it.
Your future self will thank you.