Nothing like the end of a year and the beginning of another to put us in a retrospective mood. Entrepreneur, TV presenter, and KISS92 DJ Charmaine Yee shares with us some important realisations she’s had in the past decade.
Nothing like the end of a year and the beginning of another to put us in a retrospective mood. Entrepreneur, TV presenter, and KISS92 DJ Charmaine Yee shares with us some important realisations she’s had in the past decade.
1. Don’t use age as a measure of success
“30 was my magic number. I wanted to accomplish three things by the time I turned 30—to have a successful career as a radio presenter, to be a TV presenter, and to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. That drive to have everything figured out by 30 meant that work always came before family and friends. A couple of health scares later (a 10cm cyst in my ovary in 2012 and appendix earlier this year), I’ve realised that money and success can come with time. It’s your health and relationships that are truly invaluable.”
2. Don’t be afraid to fail
“At 25, I started an online business because I had grand plans to be a successful entrepreneur by 30. That eventually failed because I had no business plans and didn’t have the time to put in the work needed. Now at 31, I’m happy with my radio career at KISS92 and doing the most on-screen work I’ve ever done. I’m also giving entrepreneurship another shot with MEvolution—a platform dedicated to empowering people to be the best versions of themselves via motivational courses and training services. I’m trying again—keeping in mind all the lessons I’ve learnt from my first attempt!”
3. Nothing is a “waste of time”
“It’s easy to dismiss failed relationships, or discount jobs that you took up just because you needed the money. For instance, breakups made me aware of what I wouldn’t compromise on when it comes to my other half. And while I didn’t like working at a media agency or organising events for a hotel, these work experiences taught me to manage my own accounts better and how to avert crises—which are valuable skills for my hosting career.”
4. Not everything has to be on social media
“I’ve since learnt that life’s best moments don’t necessarily need to be up on Instagram. Especially when it comes to your love life; it’s good to keep some moments special to you and your partner.”
5. You’re never too busy to visit a gynae
“And you should never be ‘too shy’ to go to one. It’s important to go for regular checkups because it’s best to detect problems early and treat them before things gets worse. Ditto for your bi-annual dental checkup (and because dental work is expensive).”
