What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

The members of the WomenWorking community are smart, experienced, and have knowledge to share. Yesterday we asked this question to our followers on Facebook: "What would you tell your 'younger self' just starting out in her career? What do you know now, that you didn't know then?" Below are some of the insightful responses we received. 

Megan O'Brien Duerring: I would tell myself to always have a mentor and listen to that mentor. Be more willing to learn from those with experience. 

Laura L. Brown: You know more than you realize, listen to your gut, back it up with data, be yourself, there are no limits to what you can do or be, find good mentors, listen to what they say, be adventurous, stay true to your integrity, enjoy the journey, have fun!

Rose Reinhart: You do not need to be married to be whole.

Jamie Pappas Strause: Don't sell yourself short. If you dream it; you can do it. 

Julie Sabia Amicucci DeAngelis: Invest in your 401k as soon as you are eligible and keep contributing!

Kimberly Joyce Dalferes: Never under-estimate or discount a good relationship with the office manager or staff assistant. They know: where all the bodies are buried; how to use all the office machinery; and will have your back if you are loyal. 

Gail Ferguson Smith: You are important and don't let anyone convince you otherwise!

April Nugent: You will never make everyone happy and not everyone is going to like you. But if you are doing the best job you can that is what is important. Don't worry so much about the naysayers because they usually don't change. Just focus on you and your goals. Be good to yourself. 

Entrepreneur Secrets: Start out early in the career of your dreams. Don't settle for just any type of job where you know you will not last or be happy at. It's harder to make the shift from one field to another when you're older. 

Be sure to share your own thoughts on our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter for more inspirational messages.