Even though it sometimes feels like our working day won't end, at the same time, the years of our lives are just flying by, right? And then there was Corona, and who the hell knows how to book that into our timeline?!

A fever dream or a never-ending nightmare? The perception of time has become even more complex in our fast-paced, digitally-driven world.

Working together with young professionals on a daily basis, the irony of time becomes painfully clear: When you are young, you think you don't have time. You think you need to get that next promotion, be called a manager within six months or be constantly hitting these huge milestones.

Because - apparently - when you are 30 and not accomplished, you are old and you've somehow failed. This mindset creates unnecessary pressure and can lead to burnout before your career has truly begun.

It might stem from a variety of sources: social media, societal expectations, or the glorification of young achievers in every field. After all, we live in a world that celebrates "30 under 30" lists and outstanding accomplishments at a young age. And we see what it does: It creates a pressure cooker environment where time feels like it's slipping away.

And now, add purpose to that equation. If you know your purpose from a young age and are able to pursue it, you are one of the very few lucky people on this planet. But for many people, that is not how that works.

Finding one's purpose is often romanticized as something that should be discovered early and pursued with single-minded focus. The reality, however, is much more complex and nuanced. Purpose is not always a lightning bolt of realization but often a slow, evolving journey that can change direction multiple times over the course of one's life. This narrative can make those who haven't found their "calling" by their 20s feel as if they're already lagging behind.

This rush against time often leads to dissatisfaction and a constant feeling of inadequacy. But life and careers are marathons, not sprints. Achievements and success come at different times for everyone, and the journey is often nonlinear.

Some of the most influential figures in their respective fields did not find their true calling until later in life. Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at 40, Samuel L. Jackson received his first major film role at 43, and Stan Lee didn't create his first hit comic, "The Fantastic Four," until he was 39.

This focus on speed overlooks the importance of growth, learning, and experiencing life. Valuable lessons and skills are cultivated over time, through trials, errors, and life experiences. These are aspects of personal and professional development that cannot be rushed or skipped.

So, as we mentor and guide young professionals, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of longevity, perseverance, and perspective. Goals and ambitions are vital, but so is living in the moment and appreciating the journey. Success is not just about reaching a destination but also about the growth and experiences along the way. And as managers, we can help to make this clearer, to make it real. As our Founder Eva has put it: It needs your real story, the story of how you arrived where you are and the ups and downs you have been through.

Ultimately, the irony of time is that when you stop to fear running out of it, you start to use it more wisely. That involves setting realistic goals, learning continuously, and understanding that every individual's path is unique.

The pressure to achieve everything before hitting 30 fades when you realize that time is not just a ticking clock but a canvas for growth, learning, and eventual success. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint - and that's exactly how it should be.