biggest career mistakes to avoid

No matter how experienced you are in your field, as you move along your career path, you are likely to make several mistakes. There is no sure way to avoid blunders at work, and sometimes, you may not even know that you are making a slip.

Making decisions based on salary alone

One of the most common career mistakes is focusing on compensation alone. When choosing a job or career, there is more to consider besides just salary and perks. Many people overlook other aspects of a job like office environment, growth opportunities, quality of life and compatibility with your manager. Focusing on salary alone can give you tunnel vision and prevent you from viewing job offers objectively. Remember this — while everyone wants a higher income, more money won’t necessarily put you in the best position to grow professionally or make you happier at work.

Assuming your career is linear

As we continue to face an ever-changing job market, non-linear careers are the new normal. Gone are the days when you could find someone at the same company for 30 years, climbing the corporate ladder and retiring with a healthy pension. Since then, the ladder has disintegrated. It has been replaced with what Cathy Benko terms a “corporate lattice” or what Sheryl Sandberg calls a “jungle gym.” Career progression is no longer well-defined within companies. As a result, workers today have a bigger responsibility to take charge of their professional growth.

Not growing your network

Networking is crucial to advancing in your career. Whether you are a fresher or have been working for a decade, it is important to make professional connections.

The biggest benefit of networking is access to opportunities that may not be available on public domains. Around 70% of jobs are not listed publicly on job search sites, and about 50%-80% of jobs are filled through networking.

Not knowing your worth or asking for a raise

Many employees tend to underestimate their professional value. This may result in them settling for less than they deserve, and not asking for a raise.

According to a 2018 PayScale survey, only 37% of employees have ever asked for a raise. “If you don’t ask, you’re likely not to get one because your employer will assume you’re satisfied with your salary,” said Robin Pinkley, a management professor at Southern Methodist University.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT CAREER IS BEST FOR YOU?HOW CAN I HANDLE MULTIPLE INTERESTS AND HOBBIES?