2026.06.24_Career Turning Points

Career Turning Points

1. Vocabulary Review (from previous lesson)

1. A company's ______ can take years to build. (reputation)

2. We should be completely ______ with our clients. (transparent)

3. Accepting gifts from suppliers can create a ______ of interest. (conflict)

4. Good leaders take ______ for their decisions. (accountability)

5. Honesty and strong moral principles show ______. (integrity)

2. Useful Phrases

Looking back, I would...
Example: Looking back, I would have taken that opportunity.

That turned out to be a good decision.
Example: Changing companies turned out to be a good decision.

It was a turning point in my career.
Example: Getting promoted was a turning point in my career.

3. Natural Reactions

Everything happens for a reason.
Example: I didn't get the job, but everything happens for a reason.

That's easier to say in hindsight.
Example: That's easier to say in hindsight, but I didn't know that at the time.

That worked out well in the end.
Example: It was stressful at first, but it worked out well in the end.

4. Vocabulary

4. Career Stories Challenge

Situation 1: Tell your partner about a decision that changed your life (changing jobs, moving cities, starting a business, studying something new).

Situation 2: Talk about an opportunity you almost didn't take. What happened?

Situation 3: Describe a professional mistake that taught you something valuable.

Situation 4: If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be?

5. Discussion Questions

1. What decision has had the biggest impact on your career so far?

2. Is it better to stay loyal to one company or change jobs every few years?

3. If you could give your 25-year-old self one career tip, what would it be?

4. What's more important: choosing a job you enjoy or a job that pays well?

5. Have you ever turned down an opportunity and later regretted it?

6. Do successful careers depend more on hard work or good timing?

7. What's the biggest professional risk you've ever taken?

8. Would you rather have a stable job you don't love or an exciting job with uncertainty?

9. Is failure necessary for success?

10. If you could instantly master one professional skill, what would it be?

6. Example Answers

1. Starting my current job had the biggest impact on my career.

2. I think changing jobs occasionally helps people learn new skills.

3. I would tell myself to take more risks and worry less.

4. Ideally both, but enjoying your work is probably more important long-term.

5. Yes, and looking back, I probably should have accepted it.

6. I think both matter, but timing often gets overlooked.

7. Moving to a different company was a big risk for me.

8. I'd choose the exciting job because growth usually comes from challenges.

9. Yes, setbacks often teach valuable lessons.

10. I'd love to master public speaking.