Forty years ago, I earned my M.Sc. in Dairy Science and Technology from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Copenhagen. As a graduation gift, my father gave me a book titled “How to Keep Your Job,” possibly implying my attitude might make my work life challenging.

Over the past four decades, I’ve carried that attitude with me. While it may have cost me some career opportunities and earned me a few grey notes, it’s also shaped my journey. By pushing, questioning, and challenging my peers and bosses, I’ve learned a great deal—though I know it wasn’t always easy for them. The best leaders, however, welcomed this approach, becoming mentors who valued my candor and curiosity. Open knowledge sharing is critical to personal and professional growth, and I’m deeply grateful for the guidance I’ve received.

My advice to recent grads is simple: stay in a job as long as you’re learning and your boss respects you. If you stop developing or your boss is coercive, leave. Early in your career, what you learn is far more valuable than what you earn.

I never opened that book my father gave me. Every job has taught me something new, and I’ve found that treating people with respect allows you to stay true to yourself, even as corporate cultures change. At NutriXperts, we now mentor young professionals we meet on assignments—it’s time to give back.