What lessons have you learnt from your “failures?”

I read an interesting article in Stylist magazine, a free paper magazine for women, generally circulated outside all London stations. Columnist and Features Writer, Lucy Mangan spoke of her “CV failures”. This is the first I had heard of the term “CV failure”. My initial thought was,

“Why would you make a point of noting life’s failures?”
“Is the memory not painful enough?”

Johannes Haushofer, a Princeton professor said this reminds us that failure is a hidden but a normal and healthy part of one’s life.

As a teenager I dreamt of being a journalist. I loved reading books, magazines and the media in general. I still do! Like Lucy, I applied for jobs with publishing companies, a well known newspaper, even with the BBC news section. I was moved by the fierce competition and did not appreciate that I would be required to work for peanuts (or for anything at all) as an intern or junior despite being a graduate.  I did have the privilege of writing for the Jamaican Gleaner newspaper over a two year period as volunteer. I still have the articles!

On occasion, when watching the news, I closely observe the newsreader and think;

“That could have been me. Perhaps if I had been willing to work as a runner or intern to get my feet into the BBC or other media company, it would be paying off for me right now.”

As an enthusiastic and somewhat naive graduate, I knew the salary I wanted and my focus was on moving into my own home and travelling abroad.  As it turns out I did both.

Reflecting on your past decisions has its benefits. It may well bring up issues or indeed experiences you would much rather leave behind but it allows you to accept these failings and move on. 

What was your dream job as a teenager? Was it a phase or did you spend years carving out this career?

Do you look to your past with regret or do you see your life experiences as having made you the person you are today?