I think it goes without saying that 2019 and beyond are going to be very much make or break years for all of us. Of course, every year can be a make or break, but in a world where everything is 24/7 and there is more expectation that ever; it is going to come down to what opportunities you are given, what you make for yourself and ultimately what you do with them. I feel as though there are 6 key areas to consider and they are as follows:
Education:
This goes without saying, but the more you know, the more you realise you don’t know, but what are you going to do about that moving forwards? It really is easier than ever to study a degree at University these days. The Government will provide you with study assistance and allow you to place all of your fees on HECS, which means you can actually be paid to study! Crazy thought, but until you actually earn enough per year, you don’t have to pay the loan back quickly either. It is because of this model alone that I have been able to study 3 degrees at uni and am always open to further study if I saw it necessary. If you are somebody who has always wanted to get ahead, you might need to look into committing the time and patience to studying what you love and seeing where it can take you. This is an opportunity you can create for yourself and something that will set you up for life potentially.
Mentor-ship:
If you are not already under the guidance of somebody who you look up to, I thoroughly suggest you find somebody to help point you in the right direction, help you bounce ideas off and somebody who has walked in the shoes you hope to one day fill. These people are endless sources of knowledge through experience and formal education and can teach you lessons that a classroom never will.
Volunteering:
Unsure how to get experience in your new career? Volunteer. Take on an internship or find some weekend work where you are able to temporarily fulfill a role, learn some practical skills, meet people and get a feel for what it will be like moving forwards for you. You will not enjoy everything you do but at the same time, you cannot expect somebody to go out on a limb for you if they don’t even know you.
Networking:
The people you meet along the way are an invaluable resource. Your ability to converse and showcase your skills to people, whilst learning from them as well is going to be something that will always come back to help you. The more that people get to know you, can sense your enthusiasm, see value in what you have to offer, the better. Not everything is going to lead to employment but you never know what is going to happen, so you need to try. Saying yes to conferences, weekend events, volunteering, reaching out to people, the list goes on. By having your face around the right people you are creating opportunity tenfold.
Learning from setbacks:
Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. Somebody may not take to you initially but as time goes on, who knows. You can’t be too negative about anything and you have to tell yourself that there will always be a next time. Things won’t always work out the way you have them planned within your head, but this is only a test to see if you can grow and adapt on the spot. You need to remember why you started in the first place and embrace the bumpy road to your destination. Keep your head held high always.
Goal setting:
The clearer your vision, the more likely it is that you will take the necessary steps towards success. Success is different to everybody, but as long as you know what it means to you then that is all that matters. Don’t be influenced by others and try to impress people along the way if you know it does not align with your vision. Staying true to yourself and those around you will always draw your goals closer towards you. Take the setbacks in your stride, do the hard yards and stay true to yourself. You are creating your own opportunities just as much as you are taking those that come your way with open arms.