Do I Need to Grow Up Yet?
As students across the country receive their results and begin contemplating their future careers, Eddie shares his inspiring journey of finding passion and fulfillment in the retail industry. From starting out to discovering a true love for retail, Eddie’s story offers valuable insights and guidance for those considering their own career paths.
Guest writer: Eddie Hartley, Sue Ryder
When do you need to have your career all figured out?
When do you need to grow up? When do you need to have your career all figured out? When do you need to start taking life seriously?
At the age of 15, I started volunteering at my local Sue Ryder store to gain some experience for my CV. I quickly progressed to becoming a Sunday sales assistant at the age of just 16. I absolutely loved feeling confident and responsible at such a young age. As soon as I was able to drive, I became a member of the “bank staff,” traveling around my area to cover stores while studying for my A-Levels. This was a great challenge, and one that taught me many skills such as the art of multitasking and, equally, helped me to develop drive and passion.
The turning point: University and beyond
I went to university at the age of 18, studying for a degree in Law with French at the University of Nottingham. In my naivety, I thought that university would be the time where I grew up, had everything figured out, and fell in love with the law. From the outside, corporate law seemed like a rosy and glamorous world. However, I am so delighted to say that this was not the case.
“At that point, I had a choice to make: pack in what had already been a fantastic three years of retail work to focus on finding a corporate role, or keep going to see where Sue Ryder could take me after university.”
I am so fortunate to have chosen the latter. At 19, I became a bank store manager, running stores across the country while continuing my studies.
Finding my passion: Equity, diversity, and inclusion
As I grew in this role, I became more involved with national projects, such as coordinating Pride celebrations across the organisation, helping to develop and implement the most successful optional training piece in the organisation on LGBTQ+ identities, and developing Volunteers’ Week and a careers month to support volunteers in finding paid work.
“This work and exposure gave me the opportunity to realign my goals and values; I began to understand what I was looking for in my future career.”
I realised that creating diverse and equitable workforces, and giving individuals the power and tools they need to feel comfortable and be their authentic selves at work, was truly my passion.
Retail: More than a job
Now, at 22, starting a new role at Sue Ryder that focuses on curating and improving the volunteer experience—particularly in relation to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion—has made me realise that while my career isn’t quite 100% figured out yet, I am doing something I love, something I thrive on, and ultimately, something with meaningful and valuable social impact.
“It is important to note that my journey to where I am today started in retail, and as such, I am unequivocally opposed to the notion that retail is just ‘a Saturday job.’”
Retail is often underestimated, seen as a temporary stopover rather than a career path, but that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Retail is a dynamic and multifaceted industry that offers unlimited opportunities in every area of business, from customer service and sales to management, marketing, human resources, and beyond. It’s a space where you can develop a wide range of skills, gain invaluable experience, and make a real impact—regardless of your age or level of experience.
Retail: The foundation of my career
“For me, retail was not just a way to earn extra money while studying; it was the foundation upon which I built my career.”
It was in retail that I learned to push my boundaries, take on responsibilities, and grow in confidence. The experiences I gained and the challenges I faced shaped my work ethic, my values, and ultimately, gave me more understanding of what I wanted to do with my life. Working in retail taught me that the skills you acquire in this industry are transferable to nearly any other field—whether it’s leadership, communication, problem-solving, or the ability to work under pressure.
The journey is your own
As I reflect on my journey, I realise that the question of when you need to have your career all figured out is not as straightforward as it might seem. The path to finding your passion and purpose in both your professional and personal life is rarely linear. I went to university thinking I’d fall in love with law and end up in a corporate career, but instead, I found myself drawn to something entirely different. It wasn’t about having everything figured out at 18, 21, or even 25.
“The truth is, you don’t need to have your career completely figured out by a certain age.”
What you do need is the willingness to explore different paths, the courage to pursue what feels right, and the openness to let your goals and values evolve as you gain more experience. For me, taking life seriously didn’t mean locking myself into a specific career at an early age; it meant taking the time to understand what I genuinely care about and finding ways to align my work with those values. And if I’m honest, I’m still learning and growing now!
“Retail gave me the chance to do that.”
It allowed me to grow, to experiment, and to discover a passion for creating inclusive and equitable work environments. It showed me that a job is not just a job, but a platform where you can make a meaningful impact. Retail truly does have the potential to open doors you never even knew existed.
When do you need to grow up?
So, if I’m asking myself, “When do you need to grow up and figure everything out?” the answer is simple: you don’t. Your journey is your own, and every experience—whether in retail or elsewhere, whether it takes you on a winding path or a straight one—makes that journey worthwhile.
