The Biggest Mistakes I’ve Made in My Career
Though earning a bachelor’s degree taught me a lot about my field, it certainly didn’t teach me everything about working in it. The truth is that some jobs you will hate and some you will love, but both will eventually get you to where you want to go doing what you’re meant to do. I’ve found that each has taught me something new and has made me learn to advocate for myself more, emphasizing that my career is really in my own hands and no one else’s. Here are the five biggest mistakes I’ve made in my career so far and, more importantly, what I’ve learned from them.
Not asking for what I want.
Asking for a raise, or anything at all that I wanted, needed or felt was deserved, had been nonexistent in my work vocabulary for the longest time. I honestly believed that being the first person in the office every day, keeping my head down and working hard would earn me advances. I always strived to be the employee who earned a raise the most, but if you don’t ask for it, you’re not even putting yourself in the running to receive it. I’d get to work 15-20 minutes early every day and work through lunch… for what??? I wish I could go back in time and shake myself, because all it did was take away from my personal time and cause me to feel burned out quicker, with usually nothing given in return.
Not using vacation time (or taking time off).
I used to be a long-time believer that if I didn’t have anywhere to go on vacation, that using my vacation time to sit at home would be pointless. I’m sorry… what? I can’t even comment on this further.
Overestimating recruiters.
I’ve been recruited for contract jobs in the past and I falsely believed that my recruiter would fight for the highest wage possible for me — wrong! In private, I disclosed the lowest wage I was able to accept since I was in a position where I ultimately NEEDED a job above all else, and they presented that number as my preferred rate and that’s exactly what I ended up getting paid. It was way too low and I was underpaid for way too long. Lesson learned: don’t assume anyone will advocate for you BUT YOU and aim high, knowing they will likely negotiate down.
Underestimating how disposable employees really are (though they shouldn’t be!).
That sounds harsh, but hear me out. Though you spend 40 hours of your week (and 2,080 hours of your year) dedicated to your employer, above all, you are replaceable. Your loyalty to them as an employee exceeds their loyalty to you as your employer. You leaving or losing your job affects your income and completely alters your day-to-day life, creating a mountain, let’s say — but your exit is just a tiny ant hill to your employer, who will quickly move on and replace you. My point in saying this is that I’ve had to learn that no one cares about me and my livelihood the way my family and friends do, so those are the people and relationships I should focus on.
Staying at jobs I wasn’t happy at for way too long.
In past jobs, I stayed for 6+ months longer than I should have because, to be honest, staying was much easier than taking the leap or risk to find something new. I’m notorious for being the last one to leave or the longest standing employee in the most toxic work environments (lol, loyal to a fault, I suppose). Job searching is without a doubt one of my least favorite things to ever experience, and to avoid it, I would continue to drag myself to work every day and push my feelings aside. Here’s what you should note here: your happiness is important and you’re a better you to yourself and those around you when you honor your heart and your needs. Learn from my mistakes and start looking for your next gig as soon as you feel pulled to do so.
What are the biggest mistakes you’ve made in your career so far and what have you learned from them?