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English Story (B1)Starting a New Career

This B1 English story is designed for intermediate learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.

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After fifteen years as an accountant, Maria decides to pursue her dream of becoming a career counselor. She enrolls in an eighteen-month training program, completes a challenging internship, and eventually lands her first job helping others find their professional paths.

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Maria had worked as an accountant for fifteen years before she realized she wanted something different. Every morning, she would sit at her desk and stare at spreadsheets, feeling empty inside. She had always dreamed of working with people, not just numbers. One day, she saw an advertisement for a career counselor training program. 'This could be my chance,' she thought excitedly. She spent the entire evening researching the program and its requirements. The next morning, Maria talked to her husband about her idea. He was surprised at first but listened carefully to her reasons. 'If this is what you truly want, I will support you,' he said finally. She felt grateful for his understanding and encouragement. The training program would take eighteen months to complete. It would also require her to work part-time while studying. Maria submitted her application the following week. She had to write an essay about why she wanted to become a career counselor. She also needed three recommendation letters from professional contacts. Two weeks later, she received an email inviting her for an interview. Her hands trembled slightly as she read the message. She immediately called her best friend to share the news. The interview took place at the training center downtown. Maria arrived thirty minutes early because she was nervous about being late. The waiting room was filled with other applicants who looked equally anxious. When her name was called, she took a deep breath and walked into the office. The interviewer was a kind woman who immediately put her at ease. They discussed Maria's experience, motivations, and goals for the future. 'What made you decide to change careers at this point in your life?' the interviewer asked. Maria explained that she wanted to help others find their professional paths. She believed her accounting background would give her useful insights into business careers. The interview lasted forty-five minutes, and Maria felt it had gone well. She thanked the interviewer and left with a cautious sense of optimism. Three weeks passed before Maria received the acceptance letter. She jumped up and down with joy when she read the news. Her husband opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the occasion. She would start the program in September, giving her two months to prepare. Maria needed to inform her current employer about her plans. The conversation with her boss was more difficult than she had expected. He offered her a raise to convince her to stay at the company. 'This is not about money,' Maria explained respectfully. She appreciated the offer but knew she needed this change in her life. Her boss eventually accepted her decision and wished her well. The first day of the training program arrived faster than Maria had anticipated. She walked into the classroom feeling both excited and terrified. There were twenty other students from various professional backgrounds. The instructor welcomed them and outlined what they would learn. Maria took detailed notes and asked several questions throughout the day. The coursework was more challenging than Maria had imagined. She had to learn about psychology, communication techniques, and career development theories. There were many assignments, presentations, and practical exercises to complete. Some nights, she studied until midnight while her family slept. She wondered occasionally if she had made the right decision. During the sixth month of the program, Maria began her internship at a career center. She observed experienced counselors working with their clients. She learned how to conduct assessments and interpret the results. Her supervisor praised her natural ability to connect with people. For the first time in years, Maria felt truly passionate about her work. The final examination was comprehensive and demanding. Maria spent three weeks reviewing all the material she had learned. She passed with excellent marks and received her certification. Her family attended the graduation ceremony and cheered proudly. She had officially become a certified career counselor. Finding her first job in the new field was not easy. She applied to fifteen positions over two months before getting an offer. The salary was lower than what she had earned as an accountant. However, the satisfaction she felt made the financial sacrifice worthwhile. She had finally found her true calling in life. On her first day at the new job, Maria felt nervous but ready. Her office was small but comfortable, with a window overlooking the street. She met her first client that same afternoon. He was a young man who had recently graduated from university. He felt lost and unsure about what career path to pursue. Maria listened patiently and asked thoughtful questions about his interests. By the end of the session, he seemed more hopeful about his future. Maria felt a deep sense of fulfillment as she watched him leave. This was exactly what she had dreamed of doing. Over the following months, Maria helped dozens of people find direction. Some were young graduates like her first client. Others were experienced professionals considering a career change, just like she had been. Maria understood their fears and doubts because she had experienced them herself. Every success story reminded her that taking the risk to change had been worth it.