A note to my 21 year old self

With over 20 years experience in the workforce, what tips, wisdom and learnings would I give to my younger self if I had the chance ? I decided to pen myself a little note to that young, eager and ambitious 21 year old to share my thoughts.

The path may not be obvious: 

Where you end up and how you get there along the way is unlikely to be in a linear line and you may even feel you have lost your way at times. It is ok, the curves and bends will turn into the most extraordinary opportunities, things that seem unimportant will become instrumental and you will end up more well travelled and rounded, than taking the safe and traditional journey. 

The bad bosses are just as important as the good ones: 

You will not end up the leader you are without that balance of good bosses and a few of the not so good. Learn from the bad ones every single thing you need to avoid as a manager and leader. From behaviours, to management styles and consequences. While it might not be so pleasant while you are in it - you will become better from it and also pretty resilient.

Being emotionally vested in work is a great thing: 

People will tell you over the next 21 years that 'you should not care so much' 'it is only a job at the end of the day' or 'why are you so emotionally invested in this project?'. But that is what sets you apart, gives you your drive and commitment and delivers the best outputs. 'Heart and Soul' may not be common in all of your working enviornments and at times be physically exhausting, but it is contagious to all around. Just learn along the way to step away when it really is not appreciated and find somewhere where it is.

Honesty will get you get you out of every single bad situation: 

It is as simple as that. Sure people make get annoyed or even angry - but given you would have done nothing maliciously, people cannot ever challenge the truth. You will sleep better at night and nothing will ever come back and bite you. 

It's not a race: 

Yes at times people will be promoted ahead of you, you may feel are more successful than you should be or seem to have the better job. But please be patient, take any learnings on board and realise that over the next 20 years there will plenty of times when others think exactly of the same of you. You will get exactly where you need to and be a success 20 years down the road. I promise.

Keep believing in yourself: 

Others will at times try to knock you down, have different agendas, dynamics or just simple down right prejudices. It may be a wobble and you will need regroup or share your concerns with a trusted colleague. But when there is no evidence to substiatiate the comment or actions other than personal opinion - let it go. Don't let it ever eat you up or doubt your strengths. It will be the hardest thing but move on.

Your career will be 40+ years long: 

It all does not need to be clear and sorted now. Realise that 2 frustrating years in your career will be nothing in that entire period. You will spend more time growing, learning, succeeding and being surrounded by amazing people, many who will become close friends. You will end further than you ever imagined possible. Not just in title and salary, but also in substance and happiness. 

Now what would you tell yourself ? 

 Melissa Hopkins is Founder/Director of Brand Collective. A strategic consultancy that specialises in brand and marketing transformation, employer branding and training and mentoring for start ups and businesses going through transitions

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