What would I tell the 18-Year-Old Me

Sharing the Secrets to a Bright Future

As someone in the twilight of a career I was recently asked by an 18-year-old at the beginning of their career, what career advice would I give them?

I gave them an answer but thought I could have done a better job – here is my better thought-out answer.

The first one is easy – keep asking thought provoking questions!

Explore what interests you. Take the time to explore different subjects, and activities to discover what truly interests you. This exploration can help you find potential career paths that align with your passions. What excites you, motivates you? Know yourself.

Find a mentor or role model. One who works in the fields you're interested in. They can provide valuable guidance, insights, and advice based on their own experiences. Refine the art of asking good questions.

Focus on skill development. In addition to academic studies, focus on developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical reasoning. These skills are valuable in any career path.

Push your boundaries. Be curious, keep an open mind and be willing to adapt to new opportunities and challenges. The career landscape is always evolving, so being open minded and adaptable can help you navigate changes more effectively.

Set Goals. Set both short-medium and long-term goals for your career. Having clear goals can provide direction, and an ability to prioritise as well as the motivation to work towards achieving them.

Objectively use failure. Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. Fall-down seven times – get up eight. Develop resilience.

Self-Care is not Selfish. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Balancing your personal life with your career aspirations is essential for long-term success and happiness. Sacrificing this in order to work more is a trap many fall into. Getting this right only further enhances your abilities to succeed in work.

Finally enjoy the journey more than the destination – be in the moment – enjoy.