A senior manager at a leading software firm talks about how staying strong in tough times is key for both parents and fresh hires. He leads the team that brings a smart assistant into company chat, showing how technology can help people adapt.  

In his own life, he tries to teach his children that when plans fail, the real lesson is how they handle it. He says being able to face hard moments without giving up is more valuable than labeling a situation as simply good or bad.  

He warns that high expectations can crush hope, and that the unexpected obstacles many face are often hidden opportunities. Looking back, people may feel lucky that things didn’t go as planned, but at the moment it can be painful.  

For young professionals, the manager sees a lot of talent and drive. New hires know how to use AI tools quickly and can produce impressive results early on. Yet many still give up when the first challenge appears, missing chances to grow through persistence.  

The same AI assistant can boost confidence for newcomers by helping them navigate tough tasks and reducing the feeling of being an impostor. The manager stresses that tools should not replace critical thinking; users must check every source and question everything, especially when the answer feels too perfect.  

He reminds parents and employees alike that learning to stay balanced—trusting technology while staying skeptical—is the best way to turn unexpected events into growth.

Learning to Keep Going: A Guide for New Workers and Their Parents

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