5 Career Tips

We love lists...Christmas lists, bucket lists, task lists. Even Arya Stark* had a list.

*Game of Thrones confession: I actually liked season 8.

Lists are tricky though. They try to convince us life and success can be wrapped up in a few simple steps. If we can just accomplish what's on the list all will be good. Happiness and contentment are just a few checkboxes away.

Of course, it’s never that easy. The reality is lists represent a beginning. An initial structure of clarity and focus to begin the pursuit we are targeting, rather than a final roadmap to our destination. That’s because every moment is fluid. If we stay so locked into the lists, we lessen our ability to pivot and consider other variables as they present themselves. However, if we consistently vet and groom our lists, we can then make intentional and purposeful decisions throughout as new information, problems, and opportunities arise.

With all that being said, I was asked recently what would be my top 5 career tips for someone starting out. A career tip list if you will. I think the following is a good place to start.

1. ​Network with as many as people as you can; particularly those displaying the characteristics you admire or even envy most. That means getting out of your comfort zone and approaching people in an open, humble, and honest manner. You might be of the opinion, as I once was, hard work alone produces the rewards. It doesn’t. Get to know those individuals who are different than you.
2. Don't consider your work life different or separate from your personal life. You are not two people. Values and intentions are foundational and need to show up no matter what you are doing, or where you are doing it.
3. Being bored or complacent is a warning sign. If you experience either or both, it’s time to make a change. That doesn’t necessarily mean looking for a different job. That could also mean volunteering for work outside of your comfort zone.
4. Keep a running list (yes, I get the irony here) of significant or meaningful accomplishments and credentials. This can serve two purposes. First, it makes writing things like resumes and reviews so much easier. Trust me, at some point, someone will ask you to detail out your accomplishments for the past year. Secondly, it provides you the opportunity to identify gaps and areas of improvement in your portfolio of work.
5. Don't ever consider your work, or worth, less than someone else’s, or somehow they are more important than you. Every job and person is meaningful. Determine what can you learn from them, and what can you share with others. Sometimes, the learning may even take the form of what not to do. Contribution and value are not dependent upon age, title or salary despite some people telling you otherwise. They are, however, dependent upon effort. Make sure yours is evident.