Andy Jassy Warns Against Rushing Career Choices in Early 20s

In a recent podcast conversation, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy reflected on how experimenting with different jobs in his 20s helped him find the right career path—and why he thinks many young people today mistakenly believe they need to have it all figured out by the time they graduate.

“You Don’t Have to Know Everything at 21”

During an interview on the leadership podcast How Leaders Lead with David Novak, Andy Jassy expressed concern over a common mindset he’s observed among young adults. Referring to his own children, aged 21 and 24, he explained that many in their age group feel pressured to define their entire professional future early on. He argued that this expectation is unrealistic and often counterproductive.

Before joining Amazon in 1997 at age 29, Jassy had explored several fields, including sportscasting, product management, investment banking, and retail. He even coached a high school soccer team and worked in a golf store. While none of those roles became long-term pursuits, they helped him clarify what he enjoyed and what he didn’t.

In his view, the process of elimination is just as valuable as certainty. Instead of following a rigid plan, he embraced trying and failing. That trial-and-error phase eventually helped him discover where he could thrive.

Skills Over Certainty: The Core of His Approach

Jassy emphasized that professional success rarely hinges on knowing exactly what you want from the start. He said being dependable, hardworking, and eager to learn were far more critical in shaping his career. Those were qualities he actively focused on developing, and he believes they can have a significant impact if practiced consistently.

He also noted that while not everyone may find a “dream job” quickly, what can be controlled is one’s effort, attitude, and reliability. These elements, he argued, are often overlooked but deeply influential in building a long-term reputation.

Reputation as a Long-Term Investment

The emphasis on consistency and dependability isn’t limited to Jassy’s perspective. Former Google executive Maha Abouelenein shared a similar view in a separate interview. She described reputation as a personal form of currency—something that must be consciously built and protected over time. According to Abouelenein, maintaining a steady effort and anticipating the needs of others in a professional setting are key steps toward gaining recognition and trust.

She also stressed the importance of a personal brand, saying that without it, individuals often struggle to differentiate themselves in competitive environments.

A Message to Young Professionals

Andy Jassy’s reflections serve as a reminder to those starting out that careers don’t need to be linear. The fear of making the wrong choice early can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, exploring multiple interests, even if they don’t lead to a permanent role, can be a valuable strategy.

Rather than aiming for immediate clarity, Jassy encourages young people to be flexible, test their abilities in different areas, and focus on being reliable contributors wherever they land.