Nearly fifty years later and at retirement age, I wonder which changes I'd have made if I'd listened to the advice given by my elders. Don't get me wrong; I've had a good life and have very few regrets, but I didn't appreciate what the older generation were saying to me at the time.
From an eighteen year old’s point of view, advice from a pensioner is going to be irrelevant and out of date. However, from the pensioner’s perspective, the youngster has a lot to learn. As the latter, I won't be put off giving, somewhat belatedly, a few words of wisdom to my younger self. So here goes ......
"Love is an all-elusive emotion that we seek. You'll be in and out of love many times and, I suggest, you listen to your brain as well as your heart. I wish that I’d known that at your age! Think of your future as well as of today, and imagine sharing your life with your loved-one as you grow older. Will you be able to keep that love alive for the rest of your life? Trust your gut feeling.
"Work is necessary, but don't let it take over your life. Keep time to relax. Have a job that you'll enjoy, as you'll be working eight hours a day for most of your life. Having said that, if you can be self-employed you'll achieve greater satisfaction, although you'll probably work longer hours and wonder what weekends are for. You'll have the ability to earn more and that'll drive you on. Once you work for yourself, you won't be happy working for anyone else.
"Money, young man, will be a determining factor in the path that you take through life. That doesn't mean you have to be rich, but use the money that you have wisely; it's easy to spend and not so easy to save. Don't assume that today's fortune will continue. Savings today will multiply in years to come; if you spend the money today, it's gone. Credit cards have their uses, but remember the money has to be paid back. Don’t forget that! Think about the future, those times when you may not be working, and especially your retirement. Once you stop earning, the money you spend may not be replaced by a pension. When I was your age I never thought about retirement, but I advise you to.
"Most importantly, be happy with what you do. You have one life and you’ll never have today again. Make the most of it. If you end each day feeling satisfied and able to sleep soundly, you've done well - end of story. I didn’t listen to my parents’ advice and I’m sure you won’t listen to me, either. However, I’ve had a fantastic life and you will, too, so maybe I don’t need to tell you all this, but that still doesn’t stop me trying!”