Mentoring Makes A Difference

If Not You, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When?

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to make an impact on someone’s career journey. Yet, so many of us hold back from stepping into that role, thinking someone else will do it or waiting for the "perfect" moment. But the truth is, mentorship doesn’t require perfection—it requires willingness to be present, to listen, to evaluate, and the openness to share your experience. Does anyone know everything? NO! So why not share what you know?

If not you, then who? And if not now, then when?

Each of us has a unique perspective and a set of experiences to offer others. While we may not have all the answers, we have insights that can help guide others because we have lived differently and see different paths. Mentorship isn’t just about imparting wisdom—it’s about giving your perspective, offering advice, and providing support when someone needs it most. And the best part is that even a small gesture can have a huge impact on someone’s life and career.

But Here’s the Thing: It’s Not the Mentor Who Needs to Ask

As much as we talk about the role of the mentor, there’s another critical part of this equation: the mentee. Mentorship is most effective when the person being mentored actively seeks help, and it’s important to recognize that it’s not the mentor who must ask for help—it’s the person being mentored.

If you’re looking for career advice, growth, or guidance, you must take the first step and ask for it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you should be “self-sufficient” or that asking for help signals weakness to others. However, the best time to reach out to a mentor is right now.

When you're facing a job search or any professional challenge, the thought of reaching out for mentorship may feel like the last thing you want to do. You might feel like you're already overwhelmed or vulnerable, and the idea of asking for help can feel daunting. But this is exactly the time to do it. Seeking mentorship isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a proactive step toward finding clarity, guidance, and resources that can make all the difference in your personal and professional life.

Ask Yourself the Questions in Reverse

So, let’s reverse the questions: If not now, then when? If you're at a career crossroads, whether you're entering the job market, making a career shift, or just feeling stuck, now is the time to seek out a mentor. If not you, then who? The reality is, no one will know exactly what you need unless you speak up. It’s easy to assume that mentorship is something that just happens naturally, but the best mentorship relationships are often formed when someone takes that first step—when you reach out and ask for help.

Why Now is the Best Time to Find a Mentor

You might feel like asking for mentorship when you're looking for a job is somehow admitting that you're not ready or capable on your own. In reality, seeking out a mentor when you're not yet in a job is the best way to be prepared when opportunities arise. Waiting until you’re in the middle of a job hunt or professional crisis can leave you feeling rushed and unprepared.

The best time to find a mentor is before you need one. When you already have someone to guide you through challenging moments—someone who understands your goals, challenges, and strengths—you’ll feel more confident and supported when that next big opportunity or decision comes your way.

So, don’t wait until you’re stuck or feeling desperate. Seek out a mentor now, and build that relationship long before you hit a professional bump in the road. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared for anything that comes your way.

A New Perspective on Mentorship

We all have something valuable to offer. And if not now, when will you step up and help someone else on their journey? Mentorship doesn’t require perfection—it simply requires a willingness to share what you know and be there for others. Whether it’s guiding someone through career decisions, helping them overcome challenges, or offering advice on balancing work and life, you can make a difference.

Mentorship is as much about giving as it is about receiving. Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, don’t wait for the perfect moment to ask for help or offer it. The best time to start is right now—because there’s always someone who needs your guidance, and you could be one step away from finding the support you need to achieve your next goal.

Remember, if not you, then who? And if not now, then when?

Here's a list of the most sought-after areas in mentorship, and how we can center on helping others navigate their journey:

1. Career Guidance

When it comes to career advice, people often find themselves stuck or unsure of the next step. If you’ve navigated your own career journey, you’re in a position to offer valuable insights. It doesn’t matter if your path was linear or full of detours—you’ve learned things that can help someone else. If not you, then who? Who better to guide someone than someone who's already walked the path? Also, if you are the person needing help, if you don’t ask, who will?

2. Skill Development

From technical expertise to soft skills like communication and leadership, mentorship plays a huge role in skill development. If you have knowledge in a particular area, consider how your guidance could help someone level up. If not now, then when? Don’t wait until you think you’re an expert—everyone has something valuable to teach. Also, if you are the person who is seeking improvement, when do you feel is the best time to ask? Make every day count.

3. Personal Growth

Sometimes, mentees need help with more than just technical skills—they need guidance on how to grow as individuals. They may be facing challenges with confidence, resilience, or emotional intelligence. If not you, then who? You’ve faced these challenges yourself, and by sharing how you overcame them, you can help others grow in ways they may not have imagined.

4. Networking

Networking is the one key factor in career advancement, but many people struggle to build meaningful connections. If not now, then when? You’ve likely built your network over the years—why not help others do the same? Whether through introductions or advice on how to network effectively, your connections could make a world of difference to someone who’s just starting out. On the other side – when is the last time you made a new connection? When will you start?

5. Work-Life Balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance can feel like an impossible task. Many people burn out because they don’t know how to set boundaries or manage their time effectively. If not you, then who? If you’ve mastered the art of balancing work and personal life (or at least figured it out along the way), your advice could save someone from the overwhelm you once felt. If you are feeling overwhelmed, instead of throwing in the towel – why not ask for help?

6. Entrepreneurship

Starting a business can be a daunting journey, and many aspiring entrepreneurs feel lost or unsure. If not now, then when? If you’ve taken the leap into entrepreneurship, you’re in a prime position to guide someone through the highs and lows of building a business. From ideation to scaling, your experience could help them avoid mistakes and make more informed decisions. If you are the person trying to start a business, reach out and ask because you will need a strong network and no one does it alone these days.

7. Industry Insights

Understanding industry trends and navigating specific fields can be tricky, especially for newcomers. If not you, then who? Who better to share insider knowledge and practical advice than someone who’s already worked in the field? Your insights could help someone make a smoother transition into a new role or industry.

8. Overcoming Challenges

Everyone faces challenges—whether personal, professional, or both. If not now, then when? Now is the time to share how you’ve overcome obstacles in your own life. Sometimes, just knowing someone else has been through similar struggles can be enough to keep someone going. You can provide hope and encouragement during tough times.

9. Confidence Building

Confidence is often a barrier to success. Many mentees struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, especially in the early stages of their careers. We read about this almost every day on LinkedIn. If not you, then who? Who better to help someone believe in themselves than someone who’s been in their shoes? Offering encouragement, celebrating small wins, and providing constructive feedback can boost someone’s confidence in ways that will last.

10. Goal Setting

Setting clear, actionable goals is key to making progress in any career, yet many people struggle to define what they want and how to achieve it. If not now, then when? If you’ve learned how to set goals that lead to success, share that knowledge with others. Help someone break down their long-term vision into smaller, actionable steps. If you are starting out, mid-grade, or senior management? -? we all can improve through active goal setting and achievement.

The Bottom Line

We all have something valuable to offer. Whether it’s guiding someone through career decisions, helping them overcome challenges, or offering advice on balancing work and life, you can make a difference.

Remember, if not you, then who? And if not now, then when? The next generation of professionals is depending on those of us who have walked the path to help light the way.

Let’s not wait for the "perfect" moment. Let’s start making an impact today. #VeteranSuccess, #VeteranLeadership, #VeteranSupport, #VeteransMatter, #VeteranJobSearch, #SupportOurVeterans, #VeteranOpportunities, #VeteranResources, #CareerChange, #CareerTransition, #CareerPivot, #CareerShift, #JobSeeker, #CareerGrowth, #ChangingCareers, #ProfessionalGrowth, #CareerChangers, #CareerDevelopment, #InternationalMentorshipDay