If I could go back in time to the mid 80's and give myself some advice when I first started playing that would be invaluable as a bass player, it would include but not necessarily be limited to;
Pick up a short scale and stick with it. You're a short arse and 34" scale basses are way to big and cumbersome so don't waste the next 25-30 years fannying about with them. A 30" P or PJ is all you'll ever need.
Do not - under any circumstances - buy that Trace Elliot SMX rig in the early 90's. Just don't. It's a gutless, one trick pony that will do your head in for years to come. Stick with the Marshall Jubilee rig instead. Or a Peavey of some sort.
Learn some theory sooner rather than later. A little goes a long way.
Don't play with loads of crap drummers, your timing is bad enough without those idiots hindering you.
Learn more covers even if you don't like them. It will push your playing more than doing your own thing ever will.
Don't gig on opium. Ever.
I repeat, DO NOT buy that f@cking Trace rig no matter how cool it looks.