Do the best job you can where you are now. Your record and experience will provide benefits in the future, some of which you did not plan for. The bridges burned in aviation are long and well documented. It’s a small world.

Understand that there are no shortcuts, and nobody owes you—also nothing is guaranteed except the engines will quit with no gas in the tanks.

A poor quality FO will likely be a poor quality captain. This goes with my first point.

When it comes to the jobs, you won’t get a job you don’t apply for. Dont expect to be hired at the bare minimums, but get yourself to the mins as quickly as possible (with an excellent record) so that you can start applying when you meet them.

Show up on time and look like a pro. Keep your logbook neat and accurate if in book form; be able to prove your experience (first phase of an interview). If your records look like dogsh!t it throws a red flag.

Save your money and start your retirement fund early. Your medical is what will determine your retirement date, so make better health choices now.

Again, being well qualified is more than technique and systems knowledge. There is always someone better than you—aviation can be humbling, a hard lesson for some. Start now.