Things I wish I knew when I was in my 20s – Rachel Nyambura

Being in my 20s came with its highs and lows; confidence, moments of second-guessing myself, over-ambition, and unseriousness all came in whims. One of the best things I ever did for myself was to remain teachable…learning, unlearning and relearning.

Here are a couple of things I wish that I knew when I was 20

1. If you think you want to switch career paths, test it out now: Don’t feel like you’re glued to one industry or field because of what your uni degree says.

2. If you think you want to try something new, NOW is the time. You’re young and if you find the career path you choose isn’t right, you still have time to switch it up again. In fact, you have time to keep switching it up to your entire life. But right now, you shouldn’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The world is your oyster!

3. There’s nothing wrong with living at home with your parents! Moving out at 25 or 35 is OK. If you have the opportunity, go for it but do not pressure yourself if you don’t. You don’t need to spend tons of money on an apartment, especially when you can live at home. Just because you’re making money doesn’t mean you should spend all of it!

4. SAVE! No matter how little just save it! There will always be a rainy day or sudden pandemic and having a little umbrella when that day comes feels great!

5. You don’t need to buy a new outfit for every night you go out! (20-year-old me would not believe I am saying this right now)

I hope this open letter to my younger self can help a 20-something-year-old out there! Have a blessed day.

#WhatIWishIKnewInMy20s

About Rachel Thondu Nyambura

Rachel Thondu Chief Commercial Officer at Next Media Services

She has over six years of experience in human resources, business development, and customer service gained in both Kenya and Uganda.

She joined NBS television as Head Of Agencies in mid-September 2015. Prior to this, she worked at NFT Consult within the Executive Search division as a Research Associate.

She previously worked as a Senior HR Officer with Cayman Consults in Kampala. Prior to this, she worked with Access Kenya as a Client Relationship Manager, following several years at CfC Stanbic Bank (Standard Bank Group) as a Business Development Manager based in Nairobi.

Rachel holds a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences from Makerere University (Uganda) and an MBA from the University of Roehampton, London (UK); she speaks both Swahili and English fluently.