Every well-meaning friend and co-worker has career advice to dole out, but those helpful suggestions may not be relevant to you when they are based on the personalities and fears of other people. The most valuable career advice helps you find long-term balance between security, passion and personal growth. If job satisfaction is your goal, follow the examples of professionals who foster an enthusiastic, constructive mentality at every phase of their careers.
1. Exceed Your Comfort Level
New opportunities are intimidating when you're not confident that you can perform at the next level. Your comfort zone offers stability, but it also prevents you from growing. Maintain a forward-thinking mindset by asking yourself and your superiors what skills you need to excel in the next position. Consult a trusted mentor for career advice, and ask to assist superiors on advanced projects to expose yourself to more responsibilities at your own pace. With an expanding skill set at your disposal, you may feel less overwhelmed by a new role.
2. Know Your Bottom Line
From high school onward, you probably received career advice urging you to choose the most lucrative industries. A larger salary offers short-term gratification, but it may not make up for years of feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Determine the minimum salary you're willing to accept so you can make clear-headed comparisons of jobs that provide financial stability and let you pursue meaningful work.
3. Commit to Your Choices
Choices feel overwhelming when you're afraid that you can't reverse a negative outcome. In reality, your actions determine the benefits you gain from any situation. Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, recounted the priceless career advice she received from a friend who wondered why she felt pressured to make the "right" choice. Mayer's friend assured her that every choice offered potential, and it was up to her make hers into a great experience.
4. Give Your Best Effort
Whether you're dealing with clients or colleagues, a "good enough" mentality isn't likely to attract attention for the right reasons. Achieve job satisfaction by taking every position seriously — even if it feels insignificant. Be willing to contribute extra effort to solve a pressing problem for your boss or to improve service for a client. Delivering an exceptional performance at every level shows others that you create value for the company and can be trusted with responsibility.
5. Copy Successful Behaviors
If you want to improve at a specific task, such as time management or team leadership, mimic the behavior of co-workers who excel at it. You may need to adjust the routine to fit your work style, but you gain the advantage of starting with a model that definitely works and offers perceptible results.
6. Stay Connected to Outgoing Colleagues
Don't let your relationships wither when co-workers leave. Colleagues who move on to other companies can keep you up to date on better job opportunities or side projects, and they may have the power to boost your candidacy when you're applying for a position at the same company.
Keep an open mind to career advice while recognizing that many suggestions come from a place of regret, rather than satisfaction. Be attentive to advice that encourages self-improvement and challenges you to overcome limitations, regardless of the career path you choose.
Photo courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!