Most people have a job in order to survive and continue to pay the bills and in doing this job most people just slog it through and trade in their time for some FIAT. But how do we actually thrive in our jobs and actually try to make a career out of it? Here are some tips I wish people told me while I was working my way up when I first started working and I hope these things will turn on the light bulb in some of you.
1. Work hard - I know this is almost a given but its actually really surprising out there how many people don't actually work hard in their job/careers. While sometimes this is because you've been jaded by employers past or you just find that work is just work and your life is truly outside of work. Either way if you want to get ahead you have to put in the wrench time and this applies with anything else you want to do in life.
2. Change jobs often early in your career - I wish someone told me this while I started working. I know many people out there would rather stay in a job they know and do best and hope that their employer recognizes their hard work and rewards them, but I find especially if you're young its best to move around as much as you can early. Don't fall for the trap you read of how moving around often makes you less employable, in fact I'd say its the contrary. High performing individuals are usually those who move around often and its because having different experiences and skills from all faucets of a business will make you more well rounded and able to understand and deal with all types of circumstances you might face. Changing jobs will also allow you right size your salary to correct market value every time you do it.
3. Interview for other jobs just for the experience - Sometimes you don't need to interview because you really want the job, but you do it to keep your interviewing skills sharp. Doing this also allows you to get insights into interviewing processes by different industries and by having great answers to some of the common pre-screening questions. Have fun with an interview don't think of it as a time where you get judged, you're also judging the other side.
4. Listen - Do your best to always be learning and listening to what others are telling you. These could be in meetings where you're not even providing any input. Listening to the way people talk or what's important to different people in the business will give you an edge when a request or task comes your way. You'll know who your audience is and what they expect to see.
5. Speak your mind - This one is a toughie especially if you're early in your career and especially since I just told you to listen the point before this. But I stress speaking your mind when you have valuable input or even a question is extremely important. Never assume people will think you look dumb or that they won't value your input. If you have a thought / a question / or an observation that will be important to someone or some objective speak your mind you'll be surprised at how well valuable input will be received.
Hoping some of these tips help some of you in your career, these are just some of the items I wish someone told me early on in my career.
