With hindsight: Dear Steven…

When you were young, you wanted to be a postman because he rode a motorbike. Then you wanted to be a lawyer. You might not remember that when you were four, you wanted to be a politician and go to Canberra to help them, because you were utterly convinced that they needed your help. Clearly from where I sit now, some things haven’t changed, but others have. You do end up becoming a lawyer, but only for eleven years. And as time goes on, you find new areas in which to work, and so find yourself in places that you would never have imagined.

So, Steven, the world is full of options. No matter what you might want to do or not want to do at any point in your life, things will change over time, and just remember that this is fine. Seize the opportunities that come your way and turn down the ones that don’t feel right. You’ll know one from the other if you listen to your instincts.

You won’t get married and have children until your late forties, and for years it won’t look like it will happen at all, but when it does, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. Life evolves, as it should, so take hold of life’s events as you encounter them.

Many of your friends will have children well before you do, and they’ll all tell you that the one thing they regret in life is working such long hours, and missing out on seeing their children grow up. You will listen to that advice, and strive to achieve a healthy work–life balance that allows you to work hard but also watch and play with your kids through their formative years. You won’t miss the big breaks that life offers you, but you’ll spend plenty of time with your family and friends, who will love and care for you.

There will also be many challenges, and storm clouds on the horizon. Don’t be anxious about these because in the majority of situations, things will work out. Even if they don’t, that’s okay. Failures are a part of life. Just pick yourself up and move on. Be yourself. Don’t be anxious about the demands and expectations others put on you. Do your best—that’s all anyone can ask of you.

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