While I might hold some old-school beliefs about work, I stand by them wholeheartedly. I firmly believe in certain foundational principles of work and professionalism that that might seem traditional today. One of those is the importance of hard work. To me, it's not just about clocking in the hours for a specific task, project, or venture—it’s about consistently putting in the effort, no matter the size of the job.
From my experience, significant professional achievements require a substantial investment of time and effort. Success in the workplace isn’t easy; it’s full of internal and external challenges and unexpected obstacles. But when you’re known as someone who goes the extra mile, perseveres through tough times, and is willing to sacrifice weekends for urgent tasks, managers take notice. They’re more likely to invest in your development, offer mentorship, and bet on your future success.
My advice? Decide early on how committed you are to achieving professional success. If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort, that’s a valid choice—but understand it may lead to a more average career. It’s a strategic decision. I believe dedicating 50 to 60 hours a week to work isn’t the exception but the norm in the early stages of a career. If you’re not up for that, you might enjoy a better work-life balance, but it could also slow down your career progression. While hard work alone doesn’t guarantee success, it's undeniably a crucial part of the equation.