First. You should never stay in a job that is killing you. Even if the pay is good. Even if it’s stable. Even if you’re worried about what people might say. I left a company where I was comfortable but felt empty inside. I made less money, but I found more happiness. A year later, I found a role that offered both the money and the meaning I was looking for. Had I stayed put, I never would have found it.

Second. People matter more than job titles. I remember everyone who helped me—and everyone who got in my way. But I don’t remember them based on their rank or status; I remember the people who were right there beside me. The ones who offered support when I made a mistake, shared a kind word, or simply listened. Job titles change; people remain.

Third. Fatigue isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal. For years, I thought I had to just push through—that if I was tired, it meant I wasn’t trying hard enough. Now I know that fatigue is like pain: it’s telling you to stop, rest, and take stock of your situation. If you ignore it, it turns into burnout. And burnout takes a lot longer to heal than a common cold.

I didn’t become rich, and I didn’t become a CEO. But I did find peace of mind. And that’s what matters most. I know what I want and what I don’t. I’m not afraid to walk away when things aren't right. That is freedom—and it’s worth more than any paycheck.

What have you learned throughout your career? What would you say to your twenty-year-old self?

Natalia