It is very likely that somewhere along your journey, someone has helped you in some way that has enabled you to get to where you are today.
I can still remember from high school when I was applying to universities. This guy in the year above gave me advice on the university application process. He also kindly reviewed my application and told me where I had to improve. I then ended up getting into my first-choice university.
Fast forward to the second year of university, I was applying to work placement (internship) opportunities. Fortunately, my university had a really good support network, where we could network with final-year students and graduates. I managed to get in contact with a final-year student who gave me tips on my CV and on the job application process. As a result, I ended up getting a placement, which turned out to be one of the best years of my life. I even used this application advice when applying for graduate jobs.
I can name countless other examples where I have received help and support throughout my journey. It is something that I do not take for granted, as without this help, I would not be where I am today.
Because of this, I try and make it my responsibility to pay whatever help I have been given forwards. For example, even when I got into university, I stayed in touch with some of the younger guys in school to help them with their university applications. During my final year of university, I helped mentor some students on applying for placements. Even now at work, I try and give advice to the junior staff on completing any accountancy exams or just general work advice.
Whenever I find out that my support plays a role (no matter how small) in helping these people achieve their goals, it gives me a sense of satisfaction that is honestly the best feeling in the world. I can’t think of many other things which feel as rewarding.
In life, we find ourselves in many situations where we find it difficult to progress without the help of others. More often than not, others are willing to help when we ask politely. But, how often do we make it our responsibility to help others in their own times of need?
It’s a two-way street, but it shouldn’t be monitored – that makes for an unhealthy transactional relationship. Pay it forwards and don’t keep tabs.
