Ever wished you could go back in time and talk to the younger, naive, fresh out of college version of yourself? The version that was just starting out and could have used some sound career advice or at least a bit of reassurance that you were doing the right thing?
It’s never too late to start making amends with your younger self. That’s why I went around and asked professionals to share their learned career lessons, everything from wishing they wouldn’t have stressed out that much or quitting a job and, of course, what they didn’t know then that they’d pass on to their younger selves now.
Dear younger self,
It is more than okay to struggle with your career, dreams, and aspirations after graduation. In college, the plan was pretty; you are a freshman, then a junior, then a sophomore, then a senior. Unfortunately, younger self, the work place isn’t so simple; there are no guidelines, and no clear “next step” when you are starting out your career. Also, slow the hell down; you will eventually get where you want to go but it could take a while. Moreover, becoming an adult is really hard. They don’t have TED Talks for those times when a boss yells at you, for when you don’t get a straight A at a certain day at work and/or for when you feel under-appreciated. The thing is though, you always have to remember that you are doing your best to cope with everyone and everything.
– Rana El Hawary, Managing Director
Dear younger self,
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now and it’s fine that you’re still confused. You’re going to gain more confidence along the way and you’re going to be alright, just hang in there and make the most of what you have. Oh, and try to smile a little more, your resting face makes you look intimidating.
– Mariam El-Nakkadi, Associate Editor
Dear younger self,
As a graphic designer you start to realize that not everyone will like your style and how you do things. So, I would tell myself to focus on what I love and not waste your time if you can’t find happiness where you are. Always keep your goals in the back of your mind and don’t do anything that won’t bring you one step closer to achieving your long term goals. Also, brace yourself for a lot of rejection and don’t ever take it to heart. Learn to grow from it whilst always staying true to who you are.
– Zeina Hesham, Graphic Designer
Dear younger self,
Stop stressing and being harsh on yourself because you’re going to be just fine — more even. Give it your absolute best whilst also not forgetting to practice self-care and the results you seek will follow.
– Karim Galal, Social Media Director
Dear younger self,
If I could get back in time and tell myself one thing, it would definitely be “It’s fine”. It’s fine that you planned for things and thought that life would turn out in a certain way and it just didn’t. It’s fine that you thought you wanted to work in politics and you just realized that this is not what you want anymore. To be honest, even now I’m not sure if I want to keep being a writer or not but what I know is that at this exact moment this is what I want to be doing. Life is full of surprises and the more I walk through it, the more I discover more about what I really want to do. So, calm down because I’m pretty sure things will fall into place, one day.
– Nour Hossam, Copywriter
Dear younger self,
Don’t stress yourself out! Don’t worry about not finding a job, I promise you that you’ll find one. I promise. Know that you can’t tailor a specific job that suits you in every way but you can create your own comfort zone in any workplace. You’ll have a salary which you might not be satisfied with, but it still is a salary and it will eventually get bigger. Put your input in whatever you do.
– Shaimaa Ashraf, Senior Account Manager
Dear younger self,
I wish I could tell you that feeling lost and confused about what you want to do is part of your personal and professional growth, because it is. It’s okay to take time for yourself. Remember that settling down for a job that doesn’t bring out the creative side of you or settling down for a job just to pay the bills, is NOT what you were meant to do. You were meant for greater things. So, don’t let rejection or failure steer you away from what you really want to do; instead, look at it as if the universe is bringing you closer to your goals.
– Hossam Mahmoud, Social Media Executive
