What do you wish you had known about work when you were 16-18 years old?

[InThePresenceOfWeevil]

I'm supporting a volunteering session through my workplace for disadvantaged young people, to help them in their future working careers.

As part of one of the sessions, I will be interviewed by the host...and this will be one of the questions.

So it got me thinking what would your reflections be.

I think mine is that you don't need to have a defined career plan...it's ok to not know what your next move is even when you're in your 40s and 50s...I've often changed roles/been promoted based on one element of the job that I've particularly interested in and/or good at.

What do YOU wish you'd known about work at that age?

@Jellycatspyjamas

The work of work has rules, things like turning up on time, appropriate dress, attendance etc really do matter - your boss won’t accommodate you the way school does. Take pride in whatever you do, no matter how inconsequential you think it may be.

I was that disadvantaged 16 year old and those two things have stood me in good stead.

I agree I have my 16 year old a very long sermon on not using his mobile phone in work other than on his lunch break, to put it on silent and bought him a watch so he’s not checking the time on his phone.

Also if you arrive on time you’re late, always aim to be walking through the door ten times fifteen minutes before the start of you working day.