Concrete jungle where dreams are made of? You'll think twice after leaving your corporate job.

I was taught to always have a plan. Go to school, get into a good college, graduate and then get a job. But what comes next? The guard rails are off and the real world is a place where you can thrive or get eaten alive.

I didn’t go to school for journalism, but to become an Art Director in advertising which is exactly what I did for 6 years in New York City after graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Communications Design.

Although it wasn’t perfect, I loved my job. There were nights where I worked and literally did not go home, but I also got to work on some cool projects that brought me to London and Coachella Music Festival in California.

I haven’t worked in a corporate setting in over 3 years and I’ve never been happier. However, without my advertising experience, I definitely would not be doing what I am right now. I learned a lot. Life lessons (sometimes where you'd least expect) carry you to your next project, your next chapter.

Here are some things that have stuck with me after leaving corporate job hell that might just stick with you too…

ONE

Work/life balance is easier said than done.

TWO

Hold onto the good people you meet.

THREE

Play the game when you have to.

FOUR

You have nothing to lose.

FIVE

A little office gossip never hurt anybody.

SIX

F*ck the 5-year plan.

SEVEN

Coworkers are not family.

EIGHT

Make sure you’re happy.

NINE

Don’t settle for a paycheck (unless that’s what makes you happy).

TEN

All those late nights are so irrelevant.

ELEVEN

Don’t expect HR to keep your information confidential.

TWELVE

Speak calmly and confidently.

THIRTEEN

Don’t worry about fitting in.

FOURTEEN

Your boss is not your friend.

FIFTEEN Chase your MF passions. SIXTEEN Above all, do your best work. SEVENTEEN The unknown is exhilarating. EIGHTEEN Get face time with your clients.

NINETEEN Take notes. TWENTY Protect your values. TWENTY-ONE Always stand up for yourself. Be good, JB PS. Sign up to the best newsletter for weekly shower thoughts. Also, make sure to forward it to a friend and add me to your address book so I don’t land in your spam folder.