Section A: Before Working Life

A HEALTHY working life is necessary. However, you will need to be aware of what happens before you start to work. Many people sometimes pay little attention to preparing for their careers. Schooling, which is the initial step toward your future, is an important part of your life. If your educational life is poor, it can likely lead to a challenging future, unless you are able to make a significant change.

Various choices will fashion your career path. You must be able to make wise choices, for you will see what life has to offer. Your present career can benefit your future. If you have not started on the right career path, then you can make efforts to change course so that you can fulfil your dream. Never stop pursuing your dream.

Studying is always an area of importance that can lead you toward becoming a senior executive within an organisation that provides technical knowledge. Additionally, some learning institutions offer learning that is more practical. Regardless of the learning options, make an effort to increase or build on your knowledge base. The information that you may be engaged in now could be that which will take you through life. Do not restrain yourself from increasing your knowledge, since many people may depend on what you know.

Besides all the knowledge you have acquired and the assumption that you are ready for work, managing people and software is becoming important for people entering the workforce. If you are currently employed, learn how to use computers and other technologies, as you may need to produce reports. Many organisations are now looking to information technology, as regularly updated information will enable them to enhance their decision-making in a competitive environment. Therefore, your ability to embrace and understand software skills will be important.

During Working Life

Once you have finished studying, schooling and deciding on your career path, it is time for you to enter the world of work. Once you have started working, you are in for a long and challenging future, and you may cherish the moments when you were still at home with your parents, studying and being treated with gentleness.

The work environment is for those who are willing to put in a hard day’s work and strive for success. When you are working, you may not always find people who treat you like a king or queen. Sometimes your best efforts will not even be acknowledged. Your birthday and many anniversaries may be spent in the office or in the field. During your work life, you may not be the celebrity you desire. Working life can be rewarding and help you become a great person, who soon becomes a charismatic leader, or it can be cruel, making you wonder why you have to work.

Working is good, as it allows you to earn for yourself, build friendships and learn many great things. While you are working and learning, earn as much as you can. Make a great career. Let people remember you for the good things you have done. Put your failures behind you and move forward toward success.

Building your brand is a key task that you should aim for. You must do things that help others grow. Your personality must be contagious to many people, as they will want to become like you, good people. You must become such a role model for many others at work. You must develop the right attitude while working. It is dangerous to have an unpleasant attitude, as many people will stay away from you, even when they could be of help to you.

Ensure you develop multiple skills, as they will be crucial to your success both at work and beyond. Some skills that you have learned will help you become a consultant to the organisation you have worked for, even after you have left, or others may seek your advice after you have retired. Learning many good things must be a continuous objective for you.

Working smart and diligently will be important for your success and upward mobility. You may not be at one place in your life. Hence, make a wise choice now to avoid any regrets in the end.

Preparing to leave the office can be a joyful experience for many people. On the contrary, it can be a hard battle for others who are not fully prepared to leave. What is certain is that you will not always be physically able to work as hard as you did when you first joined the organisation.

Do not let all the years you have spent at the office go to waste. You must be able to leave the organisation with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have run the race and completed the course. Do not live your working life with regrets, as this may affect your retirement life.

To retire and have a good life, you are expected to lay a good foundation during your earlier years. If you make your bed well (i.e., your working life) in your earlier years, then you will feel comfortable lying on it at the end of the day (in retirement).

You should strive to build a strong network of friendships before and after your retirement, so that you will not feel alone. Some people, after retiring, become “homesick” since they miss work and do not have anyone to talk to. Your family is important to you; therefore, building a strong family life is essential, as it is expected to cushion you whenever you face challenges.

You can enjoy your retirement once you have made certain statutory deductions in the prime years of your working life. Ensure that these deductions were made and remitted to the relevant authorities. You should submit any required forms to the relevant authority concerning your statutory deductions.

Enjoy your retirement if you’re nearing that stage, and I hope to see you sometime later. If you are going to spend time with your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, then enjoy the moment with them and share some of the things that will make them successful.

Make your future bright and celebrate. Let your good qualities speak volumes for you. If your contribution to humanity was significant, you might be eligible to receive national or international awards, or your achievements will be recognised after your time on earth has ended.