Here are the things I learned and realized while working a 10-10:
1) Make some small sacrifices and go out of your comfort zone; the things you learn and the experience you gain will be worth it.
2) Just because people around you have smiles on their faces, it does not mean that they're on your side; it's a cruel world out there.
3) Rules can be one of the most ridiculous thing ever, but as much as you hate it, you still have to abide by it nonetheless.
4) Don't be narcissistic just because you're blessed with good looks, it's only skin deep; you could be a trolley collector with a handsome face working at a department store. (Not that there is anything wrong with being a trolley collector)
5) Time doesn't define how much you know a person nor does it define your friendship. A person you've met for merely three weeks may understand and know you better than someone you've known for 11 years.
6) Always keep coins/small changes with you; it will really come in handy. After all, it's the small things that matter.
7) Be nice to everyone around you and don't be stingy with your smile, whether older or younger, of higher or of lower status; you could change someone's life for all you know.
8) Men will always be men, so y'all ladies out there have to take care of yourselves. Many will shamelessly go beyond the boundaries. Respect yourself enough to walk away.
9) People will radiate off bad vibes towards you and sometimes there's nothing you can do about it, except to not let it affect you.
10) Keep your phones/gadgets away for a day and take in your environment; there's so much to see and learn if you're willing.
11) Living life with a fixed routine is extremely difficult. Cleaners, cashiers, security guards and sales assistant; most of them do not have a choice. So instead of looking them down or showing an attitude with your 'superiority', more than anything, respect them and treat them equally. Unsung heroes deserve more gratitude.
12) People will always take advantage of you or a certain situation like its their natural instinct. Learn to protect yourself.
13) Whenever you feel like giving up, think of how long you've held on and see how far you've come. Think of the end goal and keep persevering, you're really all you've got sometimes.
14) Don't pray for better days, instead, work for a better you.
15) Having courage and taking chances is probably one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. Go talk to that person you've been stealing glances at, confess to the person you've been head over heels for. It might turn out better than expected, you never really know until you do it. And no matter how disastrous it turns out, at least you tried and you'll move forward with no regrets.
16) Chivalry ISN'T dead. Gentlemen still exist and the cliché that 'all guys are the same' mentality is not true.
17) Surround yourself with the right people. Laughter from the right company is a good medicine and a form of motivation to pull through draggy days.
18) Time will always keep ticking so learn to appreciate all moments no matter how slow time seems, it will pass and you can never turn it back.
19) Meet new people; they could turn out to be one of the best things that has ever happened.
20) Always remember to say your 'Thank You's and say what you want to say because we all take for granted that we'll always have another chance of doing so. But really, we don't know when time will end.
21) Life is really short and uncertain. When you're still young, sacrifice some sleep/time and spend it with good and correct company because that will definitely bring you lovely memories that you'll one day reminisce about.
22) Also, as mentioned, life is uncertain, while we're all busy growing up and saying that we'll repay our parents one day, they are growing old too. They mightn't wait for the day we finally make it big. We should try to make time and show them our gratitude and appreciation while we still can. Don't wait until it's too late and you start regretting.