There are a lot of things people won’t tell you. Not me. Not
your teachers. Not your boss.Not your mother.
A lot of life is about gaining experience and figuring
things out. So don't be afraid to explore, to question things, to try and to fail.
Remember: Mistakes are valuable. Assumptions are not.
I read this post a few weeks ago and wanted to share it. It is great because it lists some of those assumptions and ill-conceived notions that some people, especially those new and young,
have about work.
The cliff notes version: Your career is your responsibility. It's not going to be easy, perfect, structured or go exactly as planned.
I read this post a few weeks ago and wanted to share it. It is great because it lists some of those assumptions and ill-conceived notions that some people, especially those new and young,
have about work.
The cliff notes version: Your career is your responsibility. It's not going to be easy, perfect, structured or go exactly as planned.
20 Inconvenient Career Truths
This post was inspired by Charlie Gilkey’s genius article, “20 Inconvenient
Business Truths.” I read
it and realized, in career coaching, I share inconvenient truths with my
clients on a regular basis. I know it’s sometimes hard to hear these things
but, in the end, they make you stronger. Here are 20 inconvenient
career truths you
should know about and learn from:
1.
Almost everyone starts at the bottom.
Regardless of what you think you deserve, you probably will, too.
2.
There are no “right” answers for
finding career fulfillment. Every path is different; every destination unique.
3.
It’s not enough to be good at what you
do. Talent and skill will only take you so far.
4.
Work is not separate from the rest of
your life. Compartmentalization is a myth.
5.
Professional growth requires
discomfort.
6.
If you’re unhappy with your career,
it’s up to you to change it. No one else controls your situation.
7.
Almost every job has a trade off.
You’ll probably never get everything you want in one place.
8.
Achieving long-term career goals
requires sustained effort and deliberate action. It’s no accident or
coincidence.
9.
Your career is about YOU.
10. A successful job search should
take anywhere from three to six months. It’s not something that happens
overnight.
11. If you
hate your job, it probably won’t get better with time. Sticking around because
you’re afraid will only dig you deeper into the rut.
12. Just as
any successful business owner has a business plan, every successful
professional should have a career plan.
13. Money may
be the reason you have to work, but it’s not the true motivation. People who
wake up with joy each day are working for entirely different reasons. Money is
simply a byproduct.
14. Bad
career advice is everywhere. If it sounds too simple to be true, it probably
is.
15. If you
find yourself job hopping and nothing ever satisfies you for any period of
time, it’s time to look at yourself. Most likely, you’re part of the problem.
16. Every
company has that person who gets away with slacking off, takes all the credit,
earns more than she deserves, etc. The good news is that she’s not your
problem. Let it go.
17. If you’re
not willing to invest in your career, why would any company be willing to
invest in you?
18. Most
people change careers 3-7 times in their lives. That doesn’t mean you will.
19. Layoffs
happen. You may get fired. You may be “forced out” for reasons beyond your
control. You’ll survive, and you’ll be stronger for it.
20. No one
achieves career success alone. The most successful professionals nurture their
networks, show support and give more than they expect to get.
