Editor’s note: This article was first published in September 2015, at the end of the summer holidays in Spain. Its phrases “especially now” (about job hunting) and “even in this economy” refer to the labour market of that time.
Nobody is perfect; we all make career mistakes.
But some are worse than others. So as the holidays come to an end, it’s time to reflect on which mistakes we have made and which ones we can avoid from now on. That’s why Christie Mims, CEO of The Revolutionary Club, walks us through some of them related to our careers.
If you recognize yourself in any of them, it may be time to think about doing something about it and taking the steps needed to achieve what we want to achieve.
Mistake 1: Telling yourself it will get better at some point
If you have been telling yourself for a while that your job is going to get better in time, and all you have to do is hold on a little longer, and in the end that “little longer” turns into months or years, maybe it means it’s never going to get better.
Some people are driving a taxi temporarily, “until something better comes along”, but their temporary stint has already lasted 10 years.
Changing jobs isn’t fun. Looking for a job isn’t fun, especially now. But finding a job you like and enjoy is much better than spending endless years in a job you hate.
Stop focusing on what you’re afraid you’ll lose by staying, and start thinking about what you’ll gain by leaving. Write it down on paper. Seeing something in writing often makes you feel better, and it’s the first step to facing it and taking action.
Mistake 2: Not asking for anything
When was the last time we asked for something we wanted at work? Maybe a more flexible schedule, a raise, or a new challenge or project.
In this scenario, it is assumed that you are competent and that you like your job. So if you fall into this category and something bothers you, you should ask for it to be changed.
Companies are struggling to find talent, even in this economy, and almost everyone has something about their current job that they hate, and when asked what they are doing about it, the answer is usually nothing.
After all, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by politely asking for what you want.
Write down what you want. Note why you want it. And now, write down why you think it benefits you as an employee.
If it’s a flexible schedule or the option to work from home, explain how saving on the commute could give you more hours of productive time.
If it’s a raise, talk about the amount of extra work you have done and how you have contributed to the organization’s profitability.
Mistake 3: Not building your skills
Many people get comfortable in a job and a routine that is always the same. And as things go on, not only do they stop investing in their current job, they stop investing in their career in general, in their professionalism and in their skills.
Here’s the problem: your career is your business alone. In reality, nobody cares about your career more than you do. So you have to be careful.
Right now, companies are looking for versatile workers who can adapt to whatever the company needs. Technology keeps advancing and you have to adapt to it.
Good companies try to keep their workers happy and performing well, and that way they have lower turnover, and everyone wins.
But when push comes to shove, tough decisions have to be made, and employers are going to choose what is best for themselves, even if that means overriding you.
So it’s time to step up and nurture your career in general, not just your current job.
Find out how you can be more valuable to your company, or where you can take a course that will help you broaden your learning.
It’s time to sit down and think about an area you really want to develop and what will help you in your career. It can be anything you find useful or interesting. Sign up for a course, buy a book, learn a language, and so on. Do something to get started and your career will thank you.
See also: The secret to finding a job and building a successful career today has to do with social skills
Mistake 4: Not expanding your comfort zone
Career transitions are harder when we have settled into a super-comfortable routine.
To be ready for the next promotion, to take on that big project that will catapult your career, or to apply for that job that seems out of reach, you have to step out of your usual comfort zone and feel a little uncomfortable. As the saying goes, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.
The good news is that expanding your comfort zone right now doesn’t require doing anything crazy. You just have to get used to challenging yourself a little more each time. And you can start with your daily routine.
Get out there and tackle a project you have been putting off for a long time. Organize something fun and different for your friends and family. Take a different route to work.
Every time you do that, your comfort zone expands a little. The bigger your comfort zone, the more magical your career and the opportunities that come your way will be, because you’ll be ready for them.
Featured image: Kenyh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
