From Pretty in Print To Digital Diva

A look back at my 25 years in the working world.

25 years of working? How did I get here? From my first job as a Research & Media Associate at a dot-com company in 2000 to my latest role as a Copywriter for an online travel agency—and everything in between: Program Officer, Journalist, PR Executive, Chief Content Officer, and Freelance Writer—I’ve learned a lot about work, writing, and life.

Here are 8 top lessons I’ve learnt in my career spanning a quarter of a century.

#1. Everyone has a story worth sharing.
As a journalist, I interviewed people from all walks of life—politicians, business owners, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, people with disabilities, and more. No matter who I spoke to or what the subject was, everyone had an interesting story or perspective worth sharing with the readers – and the world.

#2. Say yes to the job that’s out of your comfort zone.
Experience in a particular role or industry gives you the confidence to succeed in what you do. However, if you’re presented with an opportunity to try something you’ve never done—something outside your comfort zone—heed Nike’s tagline and Just Do It. You might discover a newfound passion or fail spectacularly. You may decide it’s not for you (as I did a year after I took on the Chief Content Officer role), but trust me, you’ll always be glad you gave it a shot.

#3. Sometimes, hanging in there might just get you to the exact spot you’re meant to be.
Life is unpredictable, and the working world holds plenty of surprises. When things get tough, it’s tempting to throw in the towel. I felt that way too when I was assigned to the News Desk at Malaysia’s oldest newspaper. I didn’t think I had what it took to be a good reporter. I was actively looking for a new job—but with no luck. Then, two months later, I was re-assigned to the Lifestyle Desk, and life turned a complete 180. I had found my ‘home’ at work.

#4. Dealing with people can be challenging, but it’s essential.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about working with people. Some are more straightforward than others, and some can be trickier to deal with—but you’ll always learn something from everyone you encounter. Whether it’s a colleague who becomes a close friend, a client who supports you in unexpected ways, or a manager who doesn’t have your back, the lessons you take from these experiences often stay with you for years to come.

#5. Writing good content is important, but editing makes it a masterpiece.
Writing well is an important skill every writer needs, but what’s even more important is the rewriting and editing that come afterward. Never underestimate the sub-editors and proofreaders in your life. One day, when you’re on your own and need to edit your own work, you’ll realise how much they contributed to making your writing error-free and smooth. (True story!)

#6. Be ready to adapt to changes – or risk being left behind.
As the quote attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus goes, “The only constant in life is change.” The professional writing and media landscape has changed significantly since I began my journey in the working world. From content being “pretty in print” to becoming a “digital diva,” to finding the spotlight on social media and a voice amidst AI-driven content, it’s essential for all of us to adapt and continuously learn new tools, platforms, and formats — not just to survive, but to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

#7. Freelancing is not a walk in the park – it’s a marathon.
If you ever decide to embark on that career rollercoaster called freelance writing, be prepared for the ups and downs. Financial instability, rejection, and the need for self-discipline are just some of the challenges you’ll face. However, you’ll also gain a lot — independence, negotiation skills, the art of marketing yourself — and you’ll come to understand that diversifying your income streams is key to long-term continuity.

#8. Stay true to your voice
Today, more than ever — with the rise of clickbait and AI-generated content — it’s important to write in your own unique style and tone. Striking a balance is key: use the tools available to you, but retain your authenticity and continue building your credibility in this exciting, ever-evolving world of professional writing.