In a recent LinkedIn post, Shulin Lee offers a candid reflection on the unexpected turns her career has taken, emphasizing that perceived detours can ultimately lead to valuable growth and self-discovery. Lee shares personal anecdotes about her journey, highlighting that her current path as a legal recruiter was not one she initially envisioned.
The Unforeseen Journey
Lee details several significant career shifts that, in retrospect, have shaped her professional identity. Among these were starting a handbag business that ultimately failed while she was a law student, contemplating taking over her parents’ insurance brokerage, and eventually leaving the practice of law after three years, feeling it wasn’t her true calling.
“I started a handbag business that failed while I was in law school.”
These experiences, while not direct steps toward her current profession, have become integral to her story. Lee questions what might have been if different choices were made, such as focusing on e-commerce instead of physical retail leases for her business, or pursuing property or insurance sales instead of recruitment.
Embracing the ‘Detour’
The core message from Lee’s post is one of encouragement for those currently navigating uncertain career paths. She argues that life’s detours can lead in directions one could never have imagined.
“When you take detours, your life takes you in ways you could NEVER imagine.”
According to Lee, the cumulative experiences from various roles—whether as a junior lawyer, a business owner, or an individual exploring different licensing exams—all contribute to the person one becomes. She contends that these seemingly divergent paths are never truly wasted.
Lessons from Experience
Lee points out that her extensive background, including 16 years in recruitment, a decade running a business, and five years hosting podcasts, still doesn’t equate to having all the answers. This admission underscores her philosophy that continuous learning and adaptation are key, regardless of one’s tenure or accomplishments.
“Whatever experience I gained as a junior lawyer, a failed handbag shop owner, and an insurance exam taker, it all added up to who I am today.”
In her concluding remarks, Lee extends a message of solidarity to others feeling lost or off-track. As she puts it:
“If you feel like you are on a detour right now, take heart. Nothing is ever wasted.”
Her reflections serve as a powerful reminder that career trajectories are rarely linear and that embracing the unexpected can lead to fulfilling and meaningful professional lives.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shulin Lee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 3, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →