I’ve been reflecting on my first few weeks since quitting my job. I have received lots of support, and a fair amount of congratulations from many people. One thing that has struck me is the plethora of advice that is coming way. Reach out to this person, look at this job, learn how to do this thing, one friend and former colleague even suggested I re-explore an old ambition to become a commercial pilot! I had all but forgotten that I had at onetime toyed with the idea of learning to fly, so thanks for the reminder; but to be honest I have a terrible sense of direction so no doubt CASA will be relieved to know that taking charge of light aircraft is not on my list of ‘next chapter’ options.

We all receive a constant stream of advice, whether from friends, peers, senior colleagues or media, its everywhere. I have, of course given and received plenty of advice over my career, some good and some not so good. So how do we decide which advice to follow? Is it from our own experience or our intuition? I suggest, probably a bit of both, experience lets us analyse advice from what we know and have learnt, and our intuition tells us what feels right.

I have been driven to pursue seniority throughout my career and at times have been dazzled by the ‘next’ opportunity, seeing the career step ahead of the best fit for me. Naturally, I have sought advice and when I look back, I suspect I have used the advice of people I respect to justify major life decisions. Rather than missing out on opportunities, I have allowed opinions of others to steer the direction of my professional life. In the end I followed the path that wasn’t right for me, likely because I have paid more attention to what I thought was the right advice rather than listening to my gut. I’m learning to listen more closely these days.

I understand that we are all susceptible for giving advice which comes from a personal place rather than a neutral point of view. Over the years I have been asked for advice by colleagues and friends, and these days I am more inclined to provide guidance and opinions based on the experiences and lessons I have accumulated over the years. Advice can be powerful and rewarding when given judiciously but can also be harmful and misleading if offered too lightly.

Be gentle and considered with your advice, share what you know, listen with curiosity and offer your wisdom wisely. Importantly, take advice openly with due caution to make sure you act with conviction that you are doing what is right, just and the best fit for you. After all the world doesn’t need a bunch of mis-guided aircraft pilots flying directionless around the sky!