Hi everyone! This post has been a long time coming and something I’ve been thinking about for a while. Last month marked the end of my second year in New York and it got me thinking about everything I’ve learned since I came here and what advice I would share with my younger self! Did you ever just wish you could have had a glimpse of where you would end up when you were a teen? I know I did but nontheless, here are the main things I would tell younger me!
Don’t be so nice: In a professional setting, I’m sad to say that being a nice girl can sometimes mean that you could get taken advantage of and sometimes walked over. I inherently believe that being kind to people and working hard will get you places, but when it comes to a career, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and set boundaries as to what you’re willing to do in order to maintain a work-life balance. When you first start a job it’s very easy to be a people-pleaser because you want to make a good impression but remember that once you start, it’s very hard to stop.
Be yourself: When you’re a teen and even into your early 20’s, it’s natural to be worried about other people’s opinions and feeling the need to make everyone like you! But at the end of the day you have to accept that not everyone in the world will like you, and that’s ok! By the time you hit your mid-twenties you’ll come to be very happy in your own skin and learn that if people don’t want to be your friend then it’s their loss, because you are a thoughtful and fun person! Just do you honey, and when you find real friends then treat them well and make sure they know how much they mean to you.
Have some fun: Looking back at my time in secondary school and college, I’m starting to regret not letting loose a little more. I was definitely one of those students who would stress about every little test and study as much as I possibly could every day. But looking back now, I wish I could have not been so stressed and had a little more fun! Those care free days are definitely short lived and while at the time they didn’t feel so care-free, they’re a special time in your life that should really be enjoyed! Just something I realized when I entered professional world and started working full time!
Don’t worry about the future so much: I kid you not I think I spent at least 60% of my time from the ages of 16 to 23 worrying about what I would be when I grew up and what career path I was supposed to take! I wish I could tell my younger self to have faith that what’s meant to be will be, and that nobody has it figured out! Even today at 25 I still have no idea what the future holds, but I’ve come to realize that it’s ok!
Believe in yourself: For some reason I think Irish women tend can be very modest and even sometimes question their capabilities from time to time. When I first landed in NYC, I definitely was like that but living here for over two years has taught me that if you don’t believe in yourself you can be sure that nobody else will either. There’s no way I would be where I am today if I settled for something mediocre along the way or if I believed I wasn’t capable of more! We all have the capabilities to achieve what we want with a little hard work and dedication so remember that when going after something you want!
Photography: Edelle Kenny
In today’s post I’m wearing one of my go-to work outfits consisting of a classic little black dress with a twist! The dress is actually called “The Jackie” which is very fitting because it reminds me of something that Jackie Onassis would have worn.
Thank you kindly to Maggy London for sponsoring this post
