If I could talk to my 18-year-old self, I wouldn’t hand over a 5-year plan or some “success blueprint.” I’d just try to shift a few expectations—and maybe save him from a few painful, preventable lessons.
Here’s what I’d say...
1. Working more doesn’t always mean working better.
You might think that longer hours = more output. And sometimes, that’s true. But past a certain point, especially when you’re doing anything that requires judgment or creativity, your brain turns to mush. Some of my best ideas have come in the shower or while walking in the park—not while grinding through hour 12 of a workday. Learn how your brain works and when you do your best thinking. Don’t confuse motion with progress.
2. Don’t skip steps—especially when the stakes are high.
Early on, I was working helpdesk for a software product. I needed to update an addon on a customer’s site. I thought, “This’ll be quick.” I didn’t follow the usual procedure. The site crashed.
I had to explain what happened to my boss. They weren’t happy—but they didn’t just yell. They used it as a teaching moment. That stuck with me. Now I’m meticulous anytime I touch anything critical. And when my daughter makes a mistake, I remember that moment. Berating doesn’t help. Teaching does.
3. Say yes to things that stretch you.
One day we had a client call scheduled, and my boss didn’t show. I called him—he had completely forgotten and told me to run it until he could get back to his office. I could’ve said no. I didn’t.
I ran the call. By the time he joined, the problem was already getting solved. When I tried to turn it back over to him, he said, “It seems like you have a handle on this.”
That moment helped shape how I approach every uncomfortable challenge. Yes, it could go sideways. Yes, you need to set expectations. But growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable.
4. Everyone works differently—and that’s okay.
Some people like things short and to the point. Others want discussion, options, and context. Neither is right or wrong. It’s just preference. Don’t take it personally. Most hills in the workplace aren’t worth dying on. Pick your battles, stay adaptable, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
5. You don’t need to have it all figured out at 18.
I didn’t go to college. That was a personal choice—mainly because I already had a solid job with long-term potential. That worked for me. But if you’re 18 and unsure, that’s normal.
You’ve got time to figure things out. Even now, at 25, if everything crashed, I could rebuild. People have done it far later in life.
You’ll make mistakes. You’ll be unsure. But if you stay curious, stay honest, and keep trying things that stretch you, you’ll be fine.