There is a massive difference between those who create career momentum, and those who constantly encounter disruption and uncertainty. We make decisions every single day. How we choose to leverage the positives, and cope with the negatives can make all the difference. It’s your responsibility to assume control and learn from your career mistakes.
Here’s a quick list of career mistakes with a few tips for avoiding them:
1. Regret
Dwelling on past jobs, squandered opportunities or soured work relationships does absolutely nothing to improve your current career situation. The true mark of a confident career-minded individual is someone who can withstand tough times, learn from them, and come out stronger and more resilient. Hiring managers can sense authenticity in your interview responses from how you talk about dealing with adversity.
Action: Don’t overthink this one. Life is too short to waste valuable time and energy on things you can no longer change.
2. Job descriptions scare you
Listed responsibilities, salary, and required years of experience are a few items on job descriptions that can scare the shit out people.
If you feel like you lack the qualifications written on a job description, you’ve already lost!! This is a direct result of decades of standardized corporate hierarchy, outdated sayings like “climbing the ladder”, and educational conformity that tends to destroy your self-confidence, making you afraid to take big risks. This persistent lack of career confidence is a critical reason why so many job-seekers play it safe and don’t pursue new positions they are perfectly capable of.
Action: If the job description says you need 5+ years experience and you only have 3, apply for it! See that ladder? Make yourself a new rung!
3. Being a well-rounded employee
Do you consider yourself a well-rounded employee or an expert who can be relied upon to execute with precision? Some of the most potent career candidates are individuals who possess a level of combined aptitude and application towards their craft, rather than general knowledge in many areas of their field. Most corporations value innovators, experts and true students of their vertical.
Action: Become really great at 2-3 big things. Once you’ve mastered them, set your sights on new skills to conquer. Lead the pack!!
4. Lacking a plan
Unless you have Elon Musk’s bank account, you’ve probably accepted that you’ll to have work many more years to support your lifestyle and basic necessities. Unfortunately, one career mishap can cause you great financial setbacks in the event you are unprepared for sudden changes to your monthly income. Have a killer plan – know where to locate unemployment resources, job search tools, trends, and more. It’s better to be prepared than suddenly hit in the face by a proverbial two-by-four.
Rule of thumb: If you suddenly lost your job tomorrow, you should have an emergency nest-egg equal to at least 3-6 six months salary. Do you?
In conclusion
No one is immune from career mistakes and challenges. Our professional issues, personal aspirations, strengths and weaknesses all coalesce into who we are as human beings and how we work. These are just a few practical actions you can take to stay one step ahead in your field and in your personal lives. Strive to always continue learning about your industry and future trends. Reach out to colleagues, seek mentors and network the hell out out of your career field when given the opportunity. It’s on your shoulders. “Own your expertise.”