7 Deadliest Career Mistakes to Avoid Like Plague

Every day we work to build our careers and make steps towards a great future. Similarly, every day we live in fear of making career mistakes and ruining our chances to a great career.

This is normal and understandable as everyone has these fears. However, not everyone knows that mistakes are normal and part of learning which makes it a step towards having a good career.

However, mistakes are not all the same despite the fact that you will learn from each one of them. Some mistakes will leave you with nothing forcing you start again or even change careers. These are the mistakes you should avoid to make at all costs.

Here are some of the worst career mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.

Over-promising and Under-delivering

In your career, always strive to make promises you are capable of delivering. Your goals should be realistic and attainable.

You might set your goals and aspirations extremely high and get disappointed. People will always expect you to deliver on your promises and when you don’t they might write you off. Be careful not to over-promise but learn to manage the expectations of people you interact with.

Losing Sight of the Bigger Picture

Always remember your initial career dream because that’s where you want to be at the end of the day. The place you want to be in five years’ time should always be in your mind because that’s what you are working for.

Be careful not to get lost in the everyday bustle and lose sight of your initial career dreams and aspirations. If you always wanted to work in a certain department industry and are not yet there, use what you have now and where you are now to get you there. Work every day towards your career dreams. 

Sitting on Your Skills Till they Become Obsolete

In the ever-changing world of technology and changing trends, time and tide will not wait for you. If you don’t gain new skills constantly, you are going to become obsolete or average real quick. There is a lot of competition in the average corner because people there all look alike with the same qualifications and skills, fighting for the same opportunities. The skills you gain here and there elevate you and make you stand out. Take classes, network and stay abreast of what is hot in your industry. 

Job hopping

Many have said that the grass is not always greener on the other side and they couldn’t be more right. The habit of always checking out other companies and industries thinking that they are more exciting or they pay better will hurt your career.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing jobs, but you cannot be on a constant job search mode all year. When will you actually settle and learn your job enough to grow in the role? Be strategic when looking for another job and ensure you go to a better company. Do your homework and find out all the pros and cons before making a decision to change jobs.    

Complacency

The greatest disservice you could ever do to yourself is thinking and feeling that you have achieved all you need to achieve and are now just basking in the glory of your achievements forever. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career journey, never settle and feel like you don’t need more growth. Strive to learn something new each day and grow. 

Second-Guessing Yourself

Confidence is key and self-confidence is crucial for any undertaking in your life. This is not just about your career journey, but all the spheres of your life. You need to believe in yourself to excel and perform as expected. People won’t believe in you if you don’t. Whatever esteem issues you might have, start working on them to increase your confidence level. 

Burning Bridges

It’s easy to let emotions take over whenever you have an issue with someone. Remember to act professional an keep your calm. You never know the future and what could happen later. The professional world is so small and people meet in different avenues. The secret is to be professional in all circumstances even those that tempt you to act irrationally.