I Wish Someone Had Told Me...

1. You Don't Need to Know Everything Upfront; Explore and Learn

Maybe the best answer is this: you don’t need to know right now.

Life's unpredictable path. It's common to feel pressured to know your entire career path early on, but the reality is that life often leads you in unexpected directions. Many successful people didn't start in their current field, discovering their passion or opportunity later through exploration and openness.
Follow your curiosity. Instead of rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan, stay curious and follow what genuinely interests you. This might involve trying different jobs, majors, or activities, allowing you to discover where your skills and passions truly align.
Opportunities arise. Being open to new experiences, even those that seem like detours, can lead to unforeseen opportunities. Sometimes, the most significant career shifts happen because you were willing to step off the expected path and see where curiosity led you.

2. First Jobs Are Foundations; Make a Good Impression and Learn

Here’s the good news: no one expects you to be perfect on the first day of anything—especially your first job.

Learning from every role. Your first job, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is a crucial learning experience. It teaches you work ethic, how to interact with colleagues, and often reveals what you enjoy or dislike, guiding future decisions.
Attitude matters most. Showing up with a positive attitude, being willing to learn, and embracing even mundane tasks can make a strong first impression. People notice dedication and a "whatever it takes" mindset, which can open doors later.
Build your network. Every job is an opportunity to meet people who might become mentors, friends, or future colleagues. Treat everyone with respect and build relationships, as these connections can be invaluable throughout your career journey.

3. Position Yourself for Promotion by Excelling and Seeking Opportunities

You must work at doing the job you want in addition to the job you have.

Go above and beyond. To get noticed for promotion, consistently perform your current job at a high level while also demonstrating the skills and responsibilities of the role you aspire to. Make yourself indispensable by making your manager's job easier.
Communicate your goals. Don't assume your employer knows your ambitions. Clearly articulate your desire to grow within the company and seek feedback on what you need to do to reach the next level.
Be proactive, not passive. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, actively seek out projects, training, or lateral moves that will build the necessary experience and visibility for advancement.

4. Embrace Responsibility and Continuously Learn New Skills

I live by the motto “ABL”—Always Be Learning.

Step up to challenges. Taking on more responsibility, even when it feels daunting, is essential for growth. Each new challenge is an opportunity to expand your skillset and prove your capability at a higher level.
Stay current with technology. In a rapidly changing world, especially with advancements like AI, committing to continuous learning is non-negotiable. Familiarize yourself with new tools and platforms to remain competitive and efficient.
Develop soft skills. Beyond technical expertise, cultivate skills like communication, persuasion, teamwork, and adaptability. These qualities are crucial for leadership and are highly valued by employers.

5. Work-Life Balance is Personal; Prioritize and Set Boundaries

Balance is completely subjective—my idea of balance might be your idea of hell or of wasting time when I could be working (or partying!).

Everyone struggles. The idea of perfect work-life balance is often an illusion; most people, regardless of their stage in life, find it challenging to juggle competing demands. Release the pressure to have it all figured out perfectly.
Prioritize deliberately. Identify what truly matters to you outside of work – family, friends, hobbies, self-care – and actively schedule time for these priorities. Setting boundaries around your work hours and availability is key to protecting this time.
Find what recharges you. Incorporate habits like exercise, hobbies, or time in nature that help you decompress and recharge. These activities are not luxuries but necessities for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.

6. Focus on Significance Over Success; What Truly Matters

Define a significant life for yourself and then pursue that even if the trappings of what others call “success” never come.

Success vs. Significance. While achieving professional success is valuable, focusing solely on external markers like money or titles can feel hollow. True fulfillment often comes from pursuing significance – making a meaningful difference in your community or the lives of others.
Contribute beyond your job. Your employer's mission may not align with all your values, and that's okay. Find ways to contribute to causes you care about outside of work, whether through volunteering time, donating resources, or using your skills to help others.
Practice gratitude. Cultivating gratitude for what you have, the people in your life, and the opportunities you've been given can shift your perspective and enhance your sense of fulfillment, regardless of your professional status.

7. Mentorship is Vital; Seek Guidance and Pay it Forward

Mentors and role models have taught me both what to do and what not to do.

Learn from others' journeys. Seek out people you admire, both for their professional achievements and their character. Their experiences, including mistakes and setbacks, offer invaluable lessons that can help you navigate your own path.
Cultivate genuine relationships. Mentorship isn't just about getting a job or a favor; it's about building authentic connections with people who genuinely care about your growth. Be open to listening and learning from their wisdom.
Become a mentor yourself. As you gain experience, look for opportunities to guide and support those earlier in their careers. Passing on your knowledge and helping others rise is a deeply rewarding aspect of professional life.

8. Financial Wellness Requires Discipline and Early Action

With investing, the secret sauce is starting today.

Start saving early. The power of compounding means that starting to save and invest early, even small amounts, can make a significant difference over time. Don't wait until you earn a high income to begin building wealth.
Live below your means. Get in the habit of tracking your expenses and living on less than you earn. Prioritize saving off the top of your paycheck before spending, and avoid accumulating high-interest debt like credit card balances.
Invest in yourself. Beyond traditional investments, prioritize learning and developing skills that can increase your earning potential. Financial freedom provides flexibility and allows you to make choices aligned with your values.

9. Resilience is Key; Learn from Setbacks and Keep Going

Perseverance is realizing that you rarely get it right on the first attempt, but that by adapting, being willing to learn, and working hard, you can always find a way of getting there.

Adversity is inevitable. Life and careers are full of setbacks, disappointments, and moments where you feel knocked down. How you respond to these challenges is a measure of your resilience.
Learn from failure. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or rejections, view them as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your approach, and use the experience to become stronger and more capable.
Keep moving forward. Even when you feel overwhelmed or defeated, take one step at a time. Focus on small victories, get back on track quickly after a slip-up, and maintain momentum towards your goals.

10. Protect Your Integrity and Character Above All

Your reputation is everything; respect it, preserve it, and fight for it.

Live by a moral code. Establishing and adhering to a personal code of ethics simplifies decision-making and ensures you can always be proud of your actions, even when no one is watching.
Honesty builds trust. Be transparent and honest in your dealings with colleagues, managers, and clients. Building a reputation for integrity is a long-term investment that pays dividends in trust and respect.
Speak up when necessary. If you see something that concerns you, especially if it involves ethical issues or potential problems for your organization, find a way to voice your concerns, even if it's difficult.

11. Retirement is a Personal Journey; Plan for Meaningful Next Chapters

Instead of seeing retirement as a final chapter, I view it as an opportunity to explore new passions and ventures in my third and fourth acts of life.

Redefine retirement. Retirement is no longer a one-size-fits-all concept. It can be an opportunity to pursue new interests, start a different career, volunteer, or travel, maintaining a sense of purpose and productivity.
Plan holistically. Beyond financial preparation, consider what activities and relationships will bring meaning and joy in your later years. Think about what you want to accomplish or experience when you're no longer in your primary career.
Leave a positive legacy. Consider the impact you want to have on your colleagues and organization before you leave. Strive to be a leader who is remembered for helping others grow and contributing positively to the workplace culture.

12. Attitude and Gratitude Make a Difference Daily

Your attitude about how you’re doing matters.

Choose your response. While you can't control every circumstance, you can control your attitude and how you react to challenges. Approaching situations with positivity and a willingness to adapt can significantly impact your experience.
Practice gratitude daily. Actively acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how small, can shift your perspective and increase overall happiness and resilience.
Pass on positivity. Make it a habit to offer compliments and support to others. Spreading kindness and encouragement not only benefits those around you but also enhances your own well-being and strengthens relationships.

Last updated: June 8, 2025