Yes, this photo has been AI enhanced. No, I don’t regret it at all!
I wish someone had told me these things when I began my Extension career.
It gets worse, and then it gets much better, with periods of ‘absolutely horrible’ thrown in just because it can. Ride it out.
You will be remembered forever by people you only meet once. Make it a good memory.
You’re not wrong, but you’re not right either. Understand that life happens in the messy middle.
Someone will always dislike you. Stop trying to make them like you.
You don’t have to have all the answers except during the fair. Be consistent in the answers you give from person to person, and it will be okay.
One day, you will be the old person in the room. Be kinder and remember old-timers were once you.
We aren’t solving cancer (unless you are, then yay for you!). Don’t make everything a crisis.
Some days you’ll win and some days you’ll lose until you figure out it was never a contest. Play the game without keeping score.
You won’t have “time in the morning” to finish that program you’re delivering. The morning is used to put out the unexpected fire that materialized from outer space.
No one will advocate for you. Stand up for the things that are make-or-break to happiness — yours and others who depend on you.
Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Look for the helpers and the secret-keepers.
There is never ‘just one way.’ There are many ways to get to the same destination, so quit insisting it be yours.
If you’re good (and you are good), people will ask more and more from you. It’s important to set boundaries and say no.
Changes take time; you’ll need champions on your side. Build relationships before you change anything.
Not everything is worth a fight. Pick your battles.
No, you’ll likely do things that are not in the job description. You also enjoy freedoms that other 8-to-5 jobs don’t enjoy, so be careful what you wish for.
A mistake doesn’t define your career unless you fail to admit you made it. Take responsibility and use it as a learning opportunity.
Not everything needs to be said. Walk away before you say something you can’t take back. (No, I never learned this. To this day, it’s my biggest regret (and I’ve had doozies).)