What did you want to be when you were a child? Why did that job excite you?

When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor. I thought it was exciting because doctors help people and save lives. But later I realised it needed many years of study, so my aspiration changed.

At what point did your childhood dream change — and what caused it?

My dream changed when I was about 16. I started to enjoy computers more than science. I think my teacher had a big influence on me — she made me see that I was good at it.

Do you think it's important to be passionate about your work, or is a job just a job?

I think it is important to enjoy your work, but it is not always possible. Sometimes we need a stable job to pay our bills. But if you can find work you love, that is very lucky.

What advice would you give to a 16-year-old version of yourself about work and the future?

I would tell myself not to worry so much about other people's opinions. I would say: pursue your passion and work hard. And don't be afraid to make mistakes — they are not the end of the world.

Do you think children today have more or fewer career options than your generation did?

In some ways, far more — careers in technology, content creation, and digital business simply didn't exist a generation ago. But the pressure to make the "right" choice has increased enormously, which can feel paralysing. Having more options doesn't always make the decision easier.

Have you ever taken a risk in your career or studies? How did it go?

I left a stable office job in my late twenties to pursue something I actually cared about. It was a real turning point — terrifying at the time, and there were moments I seriously questioned the decision. But looking back, it was the best thing I ever did for myself professionally.

Is there a second life — a completely different path — that you sometimes imagine for yourself?

Honestly, yes. I sometimes imagine a version of myself who moved abroad earlier, learned more languages, worked with my hands rather than at a desk. I wouldn't call it regret exactly — more a quiet curiosity about the roads not taken.

What advice would you give to a 16-year-old version of yourself about work and the future?

I'd say: be more realistic about the sacrifices involved in chasing what you love — but chase it anyway. The people who told me to play it safe were well-meaning, but the regret of not trying would have been far heavier than the risk of failing.