This is for the younger readers of Walls & Ceilings. You could have a long career in this great industry and how it develops for you will primarily be the result of the choices you make. You will meet and deal with all kinds of people in your career. You will meet both good and bad people. The trick is that they do not wear a label to clearly identify themselves as such. You have to learn who to trust. Bad individuals will enjoy putting you in an uncompromising position. My advice is to be wary of everyone at first but to also listen to what everyone has to say.
The comments people make about you should be considered and evaluated. Not all advice is sound or even honest—it is up to you to decide which is which. You will have to digest these comments about your character and abilities. These will likely range from undue praise to nasty comments. Undue praise is often from family and friends who tend to tell you what you want to hear because they like you.