Your career is important. It’s what you spend most of your time doing, and it’s how you make money to support yourself and your loved ones. So, it’s crucial to get it right. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that can cost them their careers.
Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Executive and Leadership Development Coach; passionate about women empowerment and human potential
Many mistakes can be made in a career, but some are more costly than others. Avoiding these five common career mistakes will help you stay on track and headed for success.
Mistake #1: Not staying up to date with technology and trends − The world changes quickly, and career needs will change with it. If you don’t keep up with the latest trends and technologies, you will quickly become obsolete. Make sure you’re reading industry news and blogs, attending conferences and taking courses to stay current.
Mistake #2: Not developing your personal brand − Your personal brand is what sets you apart from the competition. It’s what makes you unique and memorable. And it’s something you should be enhancing throughout your career. Whether it’s developing a strong online presence or creating a portfolio of your work, make sure you’re doing what you can to stand out from the crowd.
Mistake #3: Not promoting your true value − Many people make the mistake of undervaluing themselves. They don’t realise the worth they bring to their organisation and end up accepting lower salaries, bonuses, and raises than they deserve. It’s important to know your worth in terms of strengths, knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours and to negotiate for what you’re worth. Don’t sell yourself short!
Mistake #4: Not networking − Your network is one of your most valuable career resources. The people you know can help you find a job, get promoted, or make an important connection. So make sure you’re regularly attending industry events, meeting new people, and developing trusted relationships with a broad, strategic network.
Mistake #5: Not asking for feedback or seeking out mentors/coaches − Feedback is essential for career growth. If you’re not getting feedback from your boss or colleagues, you’re missing out on valuable information about how you’re perceived and what you can do to improve. Similarly, mentors and coaches can provide guidance and advice that can help you advance in your career. So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Career mistakes can be costly, but they’re also avoidable. By knowing what to watch out for and taking steps to improve your skills and stay ahead of industry trends, you’ll be on the right track to a successful career.
Have you made any of these career mistakes? What other tips do you have for avoiding them?
THE WORST MISTAKE
These five mistakes are common and avoidable, but the mistake that is worse than all of these combined is not taking care of your health. Your health is not just important, it is vital, yet is commonly overlooked or ignored. If you’re not taking care of yourself, it will eventually catch up with you and negatively impact your career. Make sure you’re eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. And be sure to manage your stress and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing too. Yes, your career matters, but remember that YOU matter more!
