I had my first side hustle when I was in my teens; I was 13 years old.
It is never too early to equip yourself with the tools you need for life to withstand any storm.
Understanding the meaning of work and the value of hard-earned money needs to be learned through doing and not just by blindly receiving.
When I was studying at the Swiss Hospitality Management School and decided to undergo several internships abroad, away from home, I was continuously confronted with questions like:
‘How much is your salary?’
‘Oh boy, prepare to be amazed now: you wouldn’t believe how I had to defend my decision-making among my circle of people.
It felt like explaining rocket science to a toddler.’
‘I got bombarded with questions like, ‘But how much are you making?’ ‘Wow, at your age, you should be paid much better.’ ‘Why are you even accepting?’
They almost got furious when talking to me was like talking to a brick wall.
Because I felt like I had won the lottery, as the unknown (opportunities) had just heard my knocking and opened the door to me.
A new job opportunity to go abroad to expand my horizons was my golden ticket!
The big words were: leaving the comfort zone to learn, see, explore, and grow.
I am so glad that I didn’t chase money but chased my dreams.
Why am I sharing this with you?
The lesson of hard and honorable work is one of the most valuable ones.
Today, as a Recruiter, I’m doing everything I can to stack the deck in favor of my candidates.
Therefore, my message to young professionals when they are on the verge of uncertainty at the beginning of their careers, whether to follow the dream (the unknown) or the money, I holler it out like a captain on a stormy sea:
Follow your dreams, one step at a time.
Enjoy the journey.
Money (reward) will find you if you have the guts to live your dream.