20+ years on/off international everything guide/instructor/assesor here, some random thoughts:

• Most guides have a massive Dunning Kruger effect happening, for a long time: Embarrassingly, I did too! 10 years in I thought I was a good instructor, then I switched companies... they politely rejected me, I didn't even understand why, I was not even capable of understanding at that point. Took another year before I had my ohhhhhh moment, went back humbly, and got that dream job.
• A lot of guides never get past that stage. "How do you know if there's a guide at a party/crag? Don't worry, he'll tell you." That's OK of course! But take online advice with a pinch of this perspective.
• Reddit tends to be very USA-centric, verging on ignorant ;) There's a lot of different careers in the outdoor industry around the world! Yet folk beat their brains out for years to get some arbitrary qual that allows them to drag "Dentist+1" up the Grand Teton or Denali. Fine if that's what you want, but make sure you have perspective re: other possibilities that might suit your personality better, who knows!
• Don't assume you'll do it forever. Most everyone burns out eventually (ime generally within 6 years), and that's perfectly fine!
• If you see yourself as a knot/biner-checker you will get bored and burn out faster. If you really try to enjoy the people it's infinitely more rewarding.
• Buy as much pro-deal stuff as you can, you'll miss those when they are gone! Especially long-lasting big-ticket items like biners, cams, and drysuits (if you're a paddler too)
• And lastly, always remember it's not about you! You are a facilitator, not a rockstar. Don't be a me-me-me monster, don't one-up clients stories, and keep your damn shirt on! Ensure people get a great experience, it's their dreams in your hands...