The Perception of Time

Dear Manager,?

How do you perceive time? Even though it sometimes feels like our working day won't end, at the same time, it feels like the years are just flying by, right? And then there was Corona, and who the hell knows how to book that into our timeline?! A fever dream or a never-ending nightmare?

The Irony of Time

Working together with young professionals on a daily basis, the irony of time becomes painfully clear: When you are young, you think you don't have time. You think you need to get that next promotion, be called a manager within six months or be constantly hitting these huge milestones. Because – apparently - when you are 30 and not accomplished, you are old and your life will end.

Why, though?

But why do young professionals think like that? It might stem from a variety of sources—social media, societal expectations, or the glorification of young achievers in every field. After all, we live in a world that celebrates "30 under 30" lists and outstanding accomplishments at a young age. But we see what it does: It creates a pressure cooker environment where time feels like it's slipping away, and if you haven't made your mark by the time you are 30, you've somehow failed.

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The Purpose Trap

And now, add purpose to that equation. If you know your purpose from a young age and are able to pursue it, you are one of the very few lucky people on this planet. But for many people, that is not how that works. Finding one's purpose is often romanticized as something that should be discovered early and pursued with single-minded focus. The reality, however, is much more complex and nuanced. Purpose is not always a lightning bolt of realization but often a slow, evolving journey that can change direction multiple times over the course of one's life. This narrative can make those who haven't found their "calling" by their 20s feel as if they're already lagging behind. Hence, the pressure.

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The Result of the Rush

And this rush against time often leads to dissatisfaction and a constant feeling of inadequacy. The reality is, life and careers are marathons, not sprints. Achievements and success come at different times for everyone, and the journey is often nonlinear. Some of the most influential figures we look up to did not find their true calling until later in life. Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at 40, Samuel L. Jackson received his first major film role at 43, and Stan Lee didn’t create his first hit comic, "The Fantastic Four," until he was 39.

Moreover, the focus on speed overlooks the importance of growth, learning, and experiencing life. Valuable lessons and skills are cultivated over time, through trials, errors, and life experiences. These are aspects of personal and professional development that cannot be rushed or skipped.

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In Need of the Real Story

So, as we mentor and guide young professionals, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of longevity, perseverance, and perspective. Goals and ambitions are vital, but so is living in the moment and appreciating the journey. Success is not just about reaching a destination but also about the growth and experiences along the way. And as managers, we can help to make this clearer, to make it real. As our Co-founder Eva has put it recently: It needs your real story, the story of how you arrived where you are and the ups and downs you have been through. And not the perfectly curated stories on Social Media.

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Time for Growth

Ultimately, the irony of time is that when you stop to fear running out of it, you start to use it more wisely. This involves setting realistic goals, learning continuously, and understanding that every individual's path is unique. The pressure to achieve everything before hitting 30 fades when you realize that time is not just a ticking clock but a canvas for growth, learning, and eventual success.

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XOXO your Young Heroes Team

Welcome to "Dear Manager," a dedicated space where we provide valuable insights, advice and hands-on know-how, tailored specifically for managers working with intergenerational teams and a focus on nurturing young Gen Z talent. ??

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