10 things I would tell my 17-year old self
The world of work is very different from when I started 38 years ago. I’ve never been one for regret, but I think we all like the idea of being able to inform our younger selves about what the future holds, in order to provide some much needed insight of how we should evolve.
Me in 1987
This isn’t a Back to the Future take, where I invest in Microsoft, make millions and retire wealthy yet (probably) unhappy at a life unfulfilled! It’s more about my own personal evolution, what I’ve learned and hopefully there’s something in here for others too.
So here are the 10 things I would tell my 17-year old self (and yes, that really is a picture of me aged 17!):
Be a good human - we are all just humans trying to do a good job. Ignore or challenge (where appropriate) those that seek to de-humanise work
Relationships are key - work hard to build relationships and have empathy for those who aren’t like you. Don’t judge, ever and try not to gossip, it’s a horrible thing to do
Mental health is as important as physical health - keep up the football and the gym, but make some time for quiet reflection and enjoy the small moments
Keep laughing - it has many health benefits, and being able to find moments of laughter through the stress of work will benefit others too
Look for organisations that treat their people well - it’s not all about pay, happiness is driven by how those at the top treat those, like you, at the bottom
Technology will change everything - be curious about what’s possible, learn how to use it properly and steer clear of the cynics who seek to maintain the status quo
Choose difference over deference - it’ll be tempting to just follow the herd when it comes to how work gets done, copy the good but also look for ways you can do things differently
Attitudes will constantly change - what’s considered to be ‘normal’ about the way that we work shifts constantly, be open not resistant to change
Be inspired by small acts - inspiration can be found everywhere, use it as fuel to be a better person or to get better at what you do
Be disciplined - it’s easy to give up and ‘settle’ for something. Time is the most precious commodity that you have and it goes by faster than you can imagine. So be disciplined and make the most of the time that you have
Be prepared for disappointment - Everton are brilliant at the minute but trust me, that won’t last and it will be a constant source of frustration and disappointment. It’ll build your life resilience though…
OK, so it did turn into Back to the Future with point number 11! What would you tell your 17-year old self about the world of work?
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