I recall my 30th birthday several years ago – yes, I’m that “old.” As I got ready to blow out the many candles on my birthday cake – a delightful, “death by chocolate” masterpiece, I remember evaluating my life.

At 28 years old, my parents were married, had great careers, owned a car and had managed to buy a 3 bedroomed house in the suburbs. On the contrary, at 30 I had just graduated from varsity, was unemployed, broke, had no car or house, and was the definition of frustrated.

I got a job the following year at a University, and my life quickly improved. I bought a car and other assets at 32, started a business at 37, and am still working towards owning a house.

When I look back over my life, I realize that I missed many opportunities over the years, made a few wrong turns, or lacked access to the right information so that I could make better choices and succeed sooner.

I don’t want you to end up stressed out, unemployed and broke at 40, so here are a few tips for improving your odds of success much earlier.

1. Research possible careers during your teen years

Don’t rely entirely on your school’s career guidance program or what other people say is possible. I grew up in a time when the only known careers among teens were Law, Medicine, Engineering and Accounting. If you were outspoken, you automatically started preparing for a career as a lawyer. If you had an analytical mind, Accounting was your only choice, and if you were scientifically gifted, you were destined to become a Doctor or Lawyer.

I spent many years trying to become a lawyer because it’s all I knew, and the only choice I thought I had at the time. I discovered careers in Public Relations, Information Management and Research well into my adult years… after spending a lot of time and money chasing something I later realized wasn’t the right fit for me.

You might have a pretty good idea about what you want to be when you grow up. Still, it doesn’t hurt to do your research on careers in related fields. Know your options much earlier in life.

2. Take your choices seriously NOW. Success won’t magically happen when you turn 30 or 40. The foundation for success is built in your teens and early twenties. Identify your talents and nurture them. Give your studies your best shot. If there’s a subject you excel in, that’s an indicator of your most suitable career choices. Follow that and you won’t go wrong.

3. Actively participate in school clubs and sport

During my teen years, all I wanted to do was go home after a day in the class. I had zero interest in sports or clubs, and only joined clubs because it was a school requirement that could get you in detention if you tried to abscond. And because I was terribly shy, I strategically chose clubs where I could sit in thr back and remain unseen. I wasn’t interested in leadership positions and dreaded visibility.

I discovered in my thirties when I started applying for various scholarship and development programs that leadership experience was a big requirement. The easiest way to develop your leadership and team working skills is by getting involved in school clubs and sports.

If you’re no longer in school, join a sports club, volunteer at a Non Profit Organisation or participate in a community development program. This will give you an advantage when you apply for various programs later.

4. Consider starting a business and develop your business skills now.

It’s a lot easier to start a business while you’re living with your parents or guardians than when you grow up, move out and have to support yourself financially. I know two children under the age of 12 who have started a successful biscuit-making business from their mother’s kitchen and have made newspaper headlines.

We live in a world where employment opportunities are shrinking, and it’s wise to learn how to start and run a business – the sooner, the better. Start small and grow – baking scones, making handmade birthday cards, growing and selling vegetables in your backyard. Just make sure you have parental consent first!

In conclusion, remember that the future starts NOW! The best in life is waiting. Let’s go!

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