5 Things I Wish I Knew Early In My Career

5 Things I Wish I Knew Early In My Career 

Some of these are things I wish I knew in my early 20s and others are just good reminders for all of us - no matter what stage you are in your career!

1. YOUR TITLE DOES NOT DEFINE YOUR WORTH (NOR WILL IT BRING YOU LASTING HAPPINESS)

The worst feeling is finally achieving that promotion or dream job with the awesome title and then wondering why you still don’t feel fulfilled. You still don’t feel fulfilled (or the feeling is short lived) because you are chasing a title or following all of the “shoulds.” 

You should stay on this career path…

You should apply for the promotion…

You should get this certification (even though you don’t like this field that much)...

All of the above are great as long as they are things you ACTUALLY WANT TO DO. Don’t pursue a path just because it is what makes sense or is what you “should” do. The most important thing is to make sure your goals are your goals. To make sure you enjoy the daily activities, not just the title that comes with it. Once you start chasing your own path you will start feeling more fulfilled and happy. Why? Because you’re enjoying and doing what you were meant to do.

2. STAY HUMBLE

Real talk - you are likely replaceable at work. Eeek I know that’s so tough to hear! But it’s way too easy to get a little over confident; which can also cause you to get stuck. Stay humble and keep learning.

As Brian Tracy, author of Eat That Frog, states: “Rule: Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” Keep learning and growing in your field. There is always room to develop. Don’t get cocky or comfortable - keep learning and asking for help when needed!

3. MAKE TIME FOR YOU

Making time for you actually makes you a better employee. Simply put, if you feel like crap you will show up like crap. Running on half-empty will only get you so far. It’s a sure path to burnout.

Take care of you.

Eat healthy.

Stay hydrated.

Make time for daily movement

Unplug from technology.

Reset & calm your mind.

Also, be sure to take vacation! I know it’s hard to accept but the office can function without you for a week or so. You were given vacation days for a reason. USE THEM. Be sure to actually unplug while on vacation too. 

So be sure to keep you and your health a priority. Take the vacation. Recharge. And come back ready to dive in and rock your job! The more you take care of you the better employee you will be.

4. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS

I can’t tell you how many times I stayed quiet in a meeting. Too nervous to speak up. Thinking my idea was silly. Then someone else (normally a guy) shared a similar idea and was applauded for the right answer/idea. 

You landed your job for a reason. You are just as skilled and qualified as your teammates in the room. Don’t be afraid to speak up and contribute!

5. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART & KNOW THAT CHANGING YOUR MIND AND/OR PATH IS OKAY

Sometimes the first job or that “dream career” isn’t what we expected. And that is OKAY. It’s okay to listen to your heart and explore other options. Yes, change can be scary as hell. But it’s way scarier to stay in a job you can’t stand just because that’s what you originally planned.

Life is way too short to simply tolerate what you do. You’re allowed to love it. This just sometimes takes a few attempts and changes.

6. BONUS TIP: BE A TEAM PLAYER (Not necessarily something I wish it knew because I’ve always known this one. But it’s a necessary reminder!)

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Be a good human - it’s as simple as that!