Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 76: Advice to my younger self

Young people are prone to making mistakes in their decision-making. This is so because they are inexperienced, and are yet to develop qualities that can refrain them from making irrational decisions. I was not exempted as a young person; therefore, in this post, I will be sharing the decisions I made as a young person that I feel were irrational, and I will also give my humble advice to young people.

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Have you made some irrational decisions while you were much younger?

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Yes! As a young person, I made decisions I now feel were not reasonable enough.

• First, three options were presented before me when I graduated from high school which is known as secondary school in Nigeria. My dad asked me what I wanted to pursue and gave me three options which were;
  (I). A University Education
  (II). Learning a trade
  (III). Learning a trade and a university Education.

I chose a university Education only. I have acquired knowledge and exposure from the university, but I feel that decision of mine was irrational. It would have been better if I chose both learning a trade and a University Education, which was the third option. I strongly believe this would have been a better decision.

• Secondly, my elder sisters advised me to study medicine and surgery at the university. But I didn't have passion for the course, my dream was to become an engineer. So I chose to study chemical engineering, which I was good at and graduated with a very good grade. Chemical Engineering enabled me to make designs and processes; I had been able to design some processing equipment, which I shared on this platform, but I still feel I didn't make the right decision. I don't practice chemical engineering, and I am not making a living from practicing chemical engineering, but from business. I feel studying other engineering courses that don't need much capital to practice, such as electrical/electronics engineering or civil engineering, would have been a better decision, but I was inexperienced.

Source

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Do you think you are now wiser and better than you used to be?

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Someone who is experienced does not make hasty decisions. Life has taught me big lessons as I grew up, and now I am a grown man with people to advise. I am wiser and better with each passing day.

When I want to make major decisions now, I weigh the options I have to see their possible outcome in the future. I also consult experienced people to learn from them and, most importantly, pray to the almighty God for wisdom before I make any decision. This has enabled me to make wise decisions lately.

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What advice would you give to your younger self or a younger generation who are already in that stage of life you were once in

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When you graduate from high school, this is a stage in your life where you have to decide whom you want to become occupationally; as such, this is a critical stage in your life, and you have to be meticulous in your decision-making.

First, consider your environment to know a course you be practicing or have a job after graduation. In Nigeria, it may be wise to learn a trade alongside a University education, because finding a Job is not easy here.

Secondly, go for what you have passion for and are good at so you will excel. But while doing that, choose a course you can practice after graduation.

Thirdly, consult those who are experienced and pray to the almighty God for wisdom and knowledge. My earnest prayer is you make a wise decision regarding your occupation, such you would not later regret.

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I am inviting @gracyakan, @beevicsam, and @sahmie to participate in this contest.