Angus Young recently had a guest appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, in which the Gateshead-born journalist talked through some of his past experiences with us. He answered our regular ten questions in enlightening detail. One fascinating answer that Angus offered was the advice that he’d give his former self, and it applies to millions of young people today.

Angus’ advice was to have confidence in yourself, and not take no for an answer. Although the first part of this advice may seem to be reasonably straightforward, it’s genuinely enhanced by not taking no for an answer. One famous phrase says “You can get in anywhere with a clipboard and a hi-vis”, the same applies for taking every day with confidence and the belief that you can be anywhere. You’ll look like you fit in, and this confidence can bring you opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise. In today’s world, it can feel almost impossible to get ahead, so putting yourself out there more can only work to your advantage as you set yourself apart from the pack.

Young also discussed some advice that he shouldn’t have taken when he was younger. When he was younger, his dad suggested that he avoid a role in the police. Instead, Angus took what was seen as the “second worst” option as a journalist. These are both jobs that lead to something of a work-life balance problem, as Angus says when he talks about it being “difficult to switch off at times”. The job could always come calling, so you need to make sure you’re doing what you love and not just following someone else’s suggestions. Otherwise, you could lose your best years to an exhausting job, not living the life that you’d always planned out for yourself.

If you’d like to hear more from Angus Young’s appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, give his episode a listen. Covering topics from West Yorkshire crime novels to Victorian architects and Guild Halls, Angus’ arrival is not one to be missed for the avid listener, or anyone with even a passing interest in journalism.