If you’re new to the job market, the last thing you’re thinking about is what your career will look when you’re 60. Right now, you’re just trying to get a good job which hopefully pays well.
That said, what you do now to develop your career can have an effect on what happens 30 years from now. You simply have to avoid several common career mistakes.
Common Career Mistakes:
1. Forgetting to Counter Offer
Your salary now can affect your salary later. When you’re given an offer, 99% of companies expect you to provide a counter offer, which in turn means that they’ll offer you more money. That money can be leveraged to get more money in the future. For many, the salary you get when your 60 depends on the salary you get right now.
2. Not Asking for a Better Title
It’s not just your salary that is negotiable. Your title is often negotiable too. If you find that your title isn’t as “powerful” as you’d like it to be, see if you can change it to a different title that is better on your resume and better for your career.
3. Skipping Educational Opportunities
Those that take the time to learn more, modern techniques, and continue to take classes on the latest trends, are the ones that are more likely to have a better career as they get older.
4. Stop Growing Your Network
Yes, you have a job. But you never know where your next career opportunity may be. It’s important to continue to grow your network, get out there to professional events, hand out business cards, and more.
5. Staying Too Confident in Your Status
When you are liked at your job, it’s easy to get comfortable. Yes, you may be a great employee, and your bosses love you. But before you can get promotions, they’re going to have to see that you’re going to be able to take it to the next level. Sometimes that means working harder than ever.
6. Leaving Jobs Too Quickly
You need to be willing to leave your job. Your next great pay check may be at a different organization. But don’t leave too quickly. Companies want to know you can commit. Spending at least 2 years at any job (or more if you move up) is considered best practice.
7. Taking On Too Much
Quality is more important than quantity. Don’t feel that you have to take on every single project thrown your way just to progress your career. Being available for more work is a good thing, but only if it won’t take away from the quality of the work that you’re doing.
BONUS:
Being social and talking to your coworkers is also important. It’s hard to move up the career ladder when you keep to yourself. Don’t be afraid to get out there and be a presence in your building.
Fixing these mistakes can help you get more money, and help you find a job that you love.
I agree that when you are a pro in you job and no one asks you for more it’s hard to make yourself continue learning something
new. But it should be done if you’re interested in career growth. You need to be more well-rounded specialist, so go out from your comfort zone and always search for bigger perspectives.
Thank you for the article. It’s a useful one!
Thanks Alice, we’re glad you found it useful.
thank you for sharing