Having dedicated over 15 years to the education industry, I have had the privilege of engaging in a multitude of enriching experiences:
- I played a pivotal role in making school environments more enjoyable for children.
- I guided educators on how to create more engaging classrooms, yielding better outcomes.
- I trained prominent NGOs in innovative teaching methodologies to amplify their impact.
- I influenced government initiatives to modernize learning delivery in public schools.
Throughout this journey, there is little I would alter. However, if I could turn back time, there are a few early mistakes I would rectify:
1. Chasing Reputable Names Instead of Meaningful Work
Initially, I prioritized employment with prestigious brands, often overlooking the substance of the work itself. Although I conducted thorough research on potential employers, I failed to scrutinize the job roles with the same diligence. This oversight led me to positions that were ultimately unfulfilling.
2. Neglecting Purpose in Pursuit of Higher Pay
Like many, I prioritized financial remuneration in the early stages of my career. However, as illustrated in the graph below, the influence of money on happiness and life satisfaction has its limits.
In hindsight, had I aligned my career with my true purpose — enhancing the world through education — from the outset, I would have achieved a more significant impact.
3. Frequent Job-Hopping
While frequent job changes can be beneficial in the short term, they often prove disadvantageous in the long run. I vividly recall an interviewer once telling me, “It takes three years to learn enough to start contributing meaningfully to an organization.” Mastery and expertise require time, and the longer one remains in a position, the greater the cumulative growth. In my latest tenure, I have spent a decade with the same organization, growing and evolving alongside it.