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Choose Wisely, Young Self
Here’s the career advice I wish I would have gotten at 16
I was a junior in high school when I turned 16. A bit later than my friends and classmates, resulting from a mutual decision between my parents and the district administration to allow me to skip third grade. I was tall for my age, bright, focused, and curious — they figured I wouldn’t skip a beat trying to fit in with new friends a year older, and for the most part, that’s how it went.
By the time I was in high school I was absorbed in sports, clubs, a weekend job, and an active social life. I was ticking all the boxes for a high-achiever and there was no doubt in my mind I’d find success in the future. That was partially because I had more confidence than I realized at the time, I can see that now. But it was also instilled in me by my parents, teachers, and friends. They shared that expectation.
It influenced me to think of a future career that would be fully self-actualizing, not just something that paid the bills. I felt like I could aspire to more. More creativity, more happiness, and hopefully, more money.
That’s not exactly what happened, but if I could shake the advice that wasn’t helpful and replace it with advice that was, here’s what I’d tell myself.
