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There are many things that most of us want to leave behind. These career mistakes should be a priority on the list. Whether you’re trying to grow into your current position or take on a new role at another company, don’t make these totally avoidable mistakes:
Not negotiating salary.
Salary negotiation can be one of the most awkward parts of being promoted or getting a new job. That may be why only 38% of men and 27% of women negotiate their salaries, according to the 2019 Jobvite Survey of Job Seekers. According to the survey, 83% of the people who asked for more money did receive a higher payment.
Avoiding networking events.
Networking, even if we don’t like it, is one of the most important things we can do to grow professionally. It gives you an opportunity to connect with people outside your immediate circle of friends and coworkers, representing the untapped potential for your career. Networking is especially important if you are thinking about changing jobs. You never know who you are going to meet or what connections you will establish, which can help you get where you want to go.
Saying no to new projects.
One of the most important steps you can take for your career is saying yes to new and challenging projects, the ones where you say, “I have no idea how I’m really going to do this, but I think I can…”. This initiative shows your boss and superiors that you are challenging yourself and that you give yourself the opportunity to learn new skills that will benefit your career, no matter what company you work for.
Not thinking big enough.
It’s easy to get stuck in your day-to-day work and forget to share great ideas or think outside the box when new projects accumulate on your desktop. Don’t forget to think big when solving problems or working on projects, and show that you are continually growing as you take care of the daily tasks you have been doing all along.
Trying to force your career path in a straight line.
Very few career paths follow a straight and narrow path to where the person wants to go. Even most people cannot always control their career path. In most cases, there are detours, obstacles, and flat tires that give you an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and challenge what you thought you could do.
Not having a mentor.
Mentors are essential as you develop your career. I recommend that you find a mentor to help you take your career to the next level. Just remember to be specific about your needs and tutoring requests: Do you want to make weekly calls, or would you like them to meet at a café on a monthly basis?
Leave these professional mistakes behind. Send that email to the person you want as a mentor, don’t miss networking events; say yes to the project that makes you tremble with fear. Whatever you do, don’t make these mistakes again.
