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What did you do to get to where you are right now in your life/career?
What life lessons have you learned? What factors have heavily impacted your life? Would you change anything about your journey if you could? Do you have any regrets? Are you satisfied with where you are in life? Any advice for the younger people?
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6 answers
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Sijoy’s Answer
Wow—what a powerful question! The truth is, not every path in life has a clear right or wrong answer. Sometimes, we don’t end up doing exactly what we dreamt of, and that’s perfectly fine. Only a small number of people actually follow their childhood dreams, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t find fulfillment and purpose in our journeys.
I studied Computer Science, but my heart was always set on joining the defense forces. With unwavering support from my dad and family, I trained for years. I came very close, making it to the final round, but fell just short. I didn’t give up. I kept trying, pushed harder, and found other opportunities along the way. But deep down, they weren’t what I truly wanted, so I made the tough choice to walk away. Eventually, I missed the age limit. That was a turning point for me.
What I learned then has stayed with me forever: opportunity doesn’t always come back, so stay focused, be ready, and seize the best path in front of you. Life isn’t always handed to us on a silver platter. I came from very humble beginnings, often struggling just to eat three meals a day. Access to information was limited. These challenges shaped me, but they also fueled my drive.
If I could change anything, I would make sure that every human being had access to food, shelter, education, and meaningful work—basic rights that everyone deserves.
Still, I have no regrets. Today, I’m doing what makes me happy. I live a dignified life, support my family, and stay grateful for what I’ve achieved. To the younger generation, here’s my advice: stay curious, keep learning, and align yourself with where the world is heading. Look at industry trends, be open to evolving, and never stop growing. Life is about continuous learning, both personally and professionally.
And most importantly, enjoy every stage of your life. Time doesn’t come back. Live without regrets. Keep moving forward with a smile, because your journey matters, and your happiness is worth pursuing.
I studied Computer Science, but my heart was always set on joining the defense forces. With unwavering support from my dad and family, I trained for years. I came very close, making it to the final round, but fell just short. I didn’t give up. I kept trying, pushed harder, and found other opportunities along the way. But deep down, they weren’t what I truly wanted, so I made the tough choice to walk away. Eventually, I missed the age limit. That was a turning point for me.
What I learned then has stayed with me forever: opportunity doesn’t always come back, so stay focused, be ready, and seize the best path in front of you. Life isn’t always handed to us on a silver platter. I came from very humble beginnings, often struggling just to eat three meals a day. Access to information was limited. These challenges shaped me, but they also fueled my drive.
If I could change anything, I would make sure that every human being had access to food, shelter, education, and meaningful work—basic rights that everyone deserves.
Still, I have no regrets. Today, I’m doing what makes me happy. I live a dignified life, support my family, and stay grateful for what I’ve achieved. To the younger generation, here’s my advice: stay curious, keep learning, and align yourself with where the world is heading. Look at industry trends, be open to evolving, and never stop growing. Life is about continuous learning, both personally and professionally.
And most importantly, enjoy every stage of your life. Time doesn’t come back. Live without regrets. Keep moving forward with a smile, because your journey matters, and your happiness is worth pursuing.
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Kan -
Lots of great advice here! My advice, always do your best...here's a peek at my journey, hopefully it provides some insights to you.
I took the 1st job available after I migrated to the US, while trying to support 2 younger sisters and go to college. Did not expect to stay at this job but after a few years realized I was starting to like it, so began making better efforts. My efforts were realized and I began getting promoted and spent the next 9 years with the company until I found a better job in the same field. At this new company, many new opportunities came up and I am still there for almost 10 years now, and love what I do. That 1st job was a good stepping stone to getting me here.
I've never known the definition of a "dream job". Due to my life situation, some of it I highlighted above, I accepted what was available to me and made the most of it. I am happy to say though, that I continued growing professionally, and over the past few years, I do feel as though I am hitting all the points on what some may call their dream job. Sometimes you do things out of obligation and it turns into blessings...as such I would encourage you to just keep doing your best. Even better if you DO have a "dream job" in mind, as you now have a goal in front of you to work towards, GO for it, you can do it!
All the best!
Lots of great advice here! My advice, always do your best...here's a peek at my journey, hopefully it provides some insights to you.
I took the 1st job available after I migrated to the US, while trying to support 2 younger sisters and go to college. Did not expect to stay at this job but after a few years realized I was starting to like it, so began making better efforts. My efforts were realized and I began getting promoted and spent the next 9 years with the company until I found a better job in the same field. At this new company, many new opportunities came up and I am still there for almost 10 years now, and love what I do. That 1st job was a good stepping stone to getting me here.
I've never known the definition of a "dream job". Due to my life situation, some of it I highlighted above, I accepted what was available to me and made the most of it. I am happy to say though, that I continued growing professionally, and over the past few years, I do feel as though I am hitting all the points on what some may call their dream job. Sometimes you do things out of obligation and it turns into blessings...as such I would encourage you to just keep doing your best. Even better if you DO have a "dream job" in mind, as you now have a goal in front of you to work towards, GO for it, you can do it!
All the best!
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hey Kan, love this question and I'll be honest with you, I didn’t exactly choose my career path in the traditional sense. I was fortunate that someone recognised a talent in me and encouraged me to move into marketing — that was 16 years ago now. Sometimes, it's not about having everything planned out, but being open to opportunities when they come along.
What got me to where I am today is a mix of hard work, being adaptable and having people around me who believed in me at the right moments. One key lesson I've learned is that you don’t always need to have everything figured out — careers can evolve in ways you don’t expect, and that’s ok.
There have definitely been factors that shaped my journey — both good and challenging. Supportive mentors, learning from mistakes, and even setbacks have all played a part in building resilience and perspective.
Would I change anything? Maybe a few things here and there, but nothing major — every step, even the tough ones, taught me something valuable. I think regrets are natural, but I try not to dwell on them.
Am I satisfied with where I am? Yes, I’d say so. Success isn’t just about titles or money — it’s also about balance, personal growth, and being proud of how far you’ve come.
If I were to give advice to younger people, I’d say: Don’t stress if you don’t have a clear plan. Be open to opportunities, work hard, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. And remember, sometimes others will see potential in you before you see it in yourself — don’t be afraid to listen to them.
What got me to where I am today is a mix of hard work, being adaptable and having people around me who believed in me at the right moments. One key lesson I've learned is that you don’t always need to have everything figured out — careers can evolve in ways you don’t expect, and that’s ok.
There have definitely been factors that shaped my journey — both good and challenging. Supportive mentors, learning from mistakes, and even setbacks have all played a part in building resilience and perspective.
Would I change anything? Maybe a few things here and there, but nothing major — every step, even the tough ones, taught me something valuable. I think regrets are natural, but I try not to dwell on them.
Am I satisfied with where I am? Yes, I’d say so. Success isn’t just about titles or money — it’s also about balance, personal growth, and being proud of how far you’ve come.
If I were to give advice to younger people, I’d say: Don’t stress if you don’t have a clear plan. Be open to opportunities, work hard, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. And remember, sometimes others will see potential in you before you see it in yourself — don’t be afraid to listen to them.
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
18
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Kan,
This is such a thoughtful question — and asking things like this already shows you have a growth mindset, which is a huge success factor on its own.
A few key life lessons have shaped my path:
Resilience matters more than talent. Things don't always work out the first time. Staying adaptable, consistent, and focused has been crucial for my growth.
Continuous learning is a secret weapon. No matter what stage you're at, staying curious and investing in yourself keeps opportunities opening up.
Helping others lifts you higher. When I shifted from chasing my own success to also building others up, leadership opportunities started finding me naturally.
If I could change anything, I would have started building my network and seeking mentorship earlier. You don't have to do everything alone — learning from others saves time and energy.
Do I have regrets? No — just lessons. Every challenge helped shape who I am today.
Am I satisfied? Yes, but I stay hungry for growth. Life isn’t about reaching a finish line — it’s about building and evolving.
Advice for younger people:
Focus on growing your skills, your mindset, and your relationships every day.
And one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is who you choose to build your life with.
The right partner will believe in your dreams and push you higher.
The wrong relationship can quietly derail your goals, drain your energy, and hold you back — sometimes without you even realizing it.
Choose people who respect your ambitions, support your growth, and believe in your potential as much as you do.
You're already ahead by asking questions like this — keep that curiosity alive, and your future will be even bigger than you can imagine.
This is such a thoughtful question — and asking things like this already shows you have a growth mindset, which is a huge success factor on its own.
A few key life lessons have shaped my path:
Resilience matters more than talent. Things don't always work out the first time. Staying adaptable, consistent, and focused has been crucial for my growth.
Continuous learning is a secret weapon. No matter what stage you're at, staying curious and investing in yourself keeps opportunities opening up.
Helping others lifts you higher. When I shifted from chasing my own success to also building others up, leadership opportunities started finding me naturally.
If I could change anything, I would have started building my network and seeking mentorship earlier. You don't have to do everything alone — learning from others saves time and energy.
Do I have regrets? No — just lessons. Every challenge helped shape who I am today.
Am I satisfied? Yes, but I stay hungry for growth. Life isn’t about reaching a finish line — it’s about building and evolving.
Advice for younger people:
Focus on growing your skills, your mindset, and your relationships every day.
And one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is who you choose to build your life with.
The right partner will believe in your dreams and push you higher.
The wrong relationship can quietly derail your goals, drain your energy, and hold you back — sometimes without you even realizing it.
Choose people who respect your ambitions, support your growth, and believe in your potential as much as you do.
You're already ahead by asking questions like this — keep that curiosity alive, and your future will be even bigger than you can imagine.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Paul's answer above really hits on a lot of key points and is very insightful! I would also add one life lesson I quickly learned is there is usually more than one way of doing things, so allow yourself to be open to learning others' perspectives along with sharing yours. As far as career journey, remember that advancement doesn't always mean upward, it can mean lateral moves too in order to gain experience and build networks and relationships for the next opportunity ahead. My advice would be not to let yourself regret, but learn from each choice as it forms you into who you are. Finally, for young people I always try to encourage you to enjoy the moment and be in the moment - be young when you're young, because it's only for a short time! Don't be "too cool for school." Your school years are some of the most dynamic and inspiring experiences! Good luck!
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
This is a great question and there has been great advice given! I would just add that I'm really happy where I am today because of all the experiences that I've had and can talk about. The reason I have those experiences to talk about is because I kept an open mind and limited the amount of times I said "no" to being offered to try something new. You never know whether you truly like or dislike a topic/career/specific path until you try it. Through this experimentation, I've found that there are things that that I enjoyed doing and others that I really didn't. But trying as much as I could led me to find a career that I genuinely enjoy!