What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I feel the biggest mistake I made as a teenager was being led in my career and courses by my parents.
I wanted to join the army, I really wish I had.
I also wanted to study French, Art and Art History and go to university to study languages or Art.
I actually did study art. Nothing else. I had to stay at sixth form, I wasn’t allowed to go to college. I wasn’t allowed to go to University. I had to get a job, they even found me my first job; I got ‘let go’ due to my health issues causing chaos with doctors appointments and time off.
What I taught myself during that time is that I wasn’t interested in putting in any effort as this wasn’t my personal plan. But I felt at that time I had no option.
I went on to be successful at one stage in financial accounting, I’m still excellent at this, at organising and analysing, using different software applications. But it didn’t make me happy.
Now at nearly 43 I don’t see much point in throwing myself at anything else. I still enjoy languages and art. If I had been able to pursue these areas I believe I would be in a much happier work and mental health position today.
So follow your dreams, make them happen!
Stop Walking on Egg Shells 