I grew up wanting to be a scientist and work in R&D. But I barely passed my engineering degree program and was told I should just give up my dream. Instead, I chose to start my career working for 2 years as an intern in one of the top tech companies. 10 years later, I now am an R&D manager managing my own team of scientist.

The part about being close to the sun is absolutely correct. The tech firm I was in had a crisis and needed manpower. Being a junior staff there, I was the closest available person and was thrown into the deep end. I worked with some of the best of the best in my industry. 2 years later, I survived the crisis and got myself both a promotion and a huge bonus that allowed me to start my own side business.