What words of wisdom would you have for your younger self?

Prompted by Mark’s thread I’m having a bash, although I’m sure that this will be a subject that’s been covered before.

Having lived experience  to wherever you’re at now and with the superpower of hindsight (not to be spent on putting every cent you theoretically had in 1980s and subsequent into Apple) what are the key things you’d say to your younger self at say the following points:

i) Starting out in the serious working world at age 21ish

ii) Into middle age and pre-retirement working life at say 45-50

iii) On the cusp of retirement or making the decision of when to go

iv) 5 years into retirement

Be like a gator and keep it snappy 😉

My responses so far

i) You’ll probably stick at this job/career longer than you think so don’t worry about job security and having cash on hand – be a bit bolder in putting funds away for the long term.

ii) Don’t dither – start shaping what you want out of the remains of your career now.  It’s no good getting the better counter offer when you’re handing in your retirement notice.

iii) There’s never the perfect time but there’s a point in which the present value of not being tied to work exceeds the marginal security/enjoyment from further work.  Decide what goes into that value and commit.