Looking back, when I was struck by how many moments in my career, a few words of simple, plain advice could have saved me from a mountain of confusion, stress, and second-guessing myself. So, if you are just starting out or perhaps halfway through, here is some straightforward, real-world career advice that I wish someone had told me a little sooner. My hope is that these tips will not feel like a series of stumbling blocks on your career path but rather like a clear, intentional journey.
Imagine we sat down over a cup of coffee to have a heart-to-heart conversation about work, growth, and the things that really matter. There isn’t just advice being given from a guidebook; these are lessons learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
- Don’t Wait for Permission to Get Started
When I first stepped into the world of work, I kept waiting for somebody to tell me what to do next or a green light to assume new responsibilities. But the truth is that in many workplaces, people are so captivated by their own assignments that they do not always think about their next steps. So, take that as a sign and trust yourself to start on projects or tasks you’re interested in. You don’t need somebody’s permission to show initiative. Whenever you see something and think you can do better, ask yourself, “Why not me?
Taking a step forward, no matter how small, may indicate to colleagues and managers that you are ready to take on more responsibility. Should you stumble along the way? So what? That’s part of learning: not something you shy away from.
- Not Everyone Has to Have a “Five-Year Plan”
It made me feel left behind because when I was starting, everyone had a “five-year plan.” Well, here’s the thing: people don’t always fit into a plan. Sometimes, opportunities just come out of nowhere, and sometimes, your goals change as you gain more experience. The act of setting large, vague goals – such as “learn new skills” or “grow in my field” – does not mean that you must know every step of where you are going.
Instead of setting a strict plan, you may want to think about what skills you would like to develop and what experiences you will have. In doing so, you are not locked into an inflexible plan, but you’ll be able to pivot easily if something unexpectedly wonderful comes along.
- Ask as Many Questions as You Can
Earlier, I was hesitant to ask questions because I did not believe I should not look dumb. But that is how you learn! The thing of the matter is that most people love curiosity, and most experienced people are ready to share what they know.
Whether it is about a specific task, a process, or even some career advice coming from someone in the role you’re interested in, asking questions shows you are paying attention and willing to understand fully.
So, if it doesn’t make sense, fake it. Ask for clarification and save yourself a lot of confusion later on.
- Don’t Chase the “Perfect Job”—Look for a Role You Can Grow In
When you are job hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in finding that perfect role that checks all of your boxes. But to be honest, most jobs won’t be “perfect,” and that’s perfectly okay because what matters more is that the role offers room to learn, opportunities to try new things, and supportive colleagues who encourage growth.
Look for potential rather than perfection. Ask yourself if this job will challenge you, if you’re going to have opportunities to develop your skills, and if it’s going to be a place where you’ll be challenged to bring something of value. More often than not, the “perfect” job is the one that helps you grow, even if it is nothing at all like you pictured.
- Build Relationships: They’re Just as Important as Skills
So, you probably have heard that networking is a huge part, but it really cannot be overstated how creating real relationships at work can smooth your career path. Of course, one’s ability is important, but relationships often open the doors. Connections can help someone find mentors, collaborators, or opportunities not advertised.
Take time to be in touch with the people around you: participate in team activities, and be willing to help when you can. Those kinds of real relationships where people know, like, and trust you are often the keys that unlock more positive opportunities in unexpected career moves and new challenges.
- Give Yourself Permission to Change Your Mind
Easily, one of the most liberating pieces of advice that I wish I had heard sooner is it’s okay to change your mind. Starting in one area or one position does not imply you will always be limited there. Interests evolve, industries shift, and sometimes, what once felt like a dream job no longer fits.
If you feel a new career direction, don’t ignore it. Take a step in exploring that interest. Sign up for a class, try a side project, or talk to people in the field. You’re allowed to make changes to find a better fit, but that doesn’t mean your previous experiences were wasted. Every job, skill, and connection becomes part of your unique career story.
- Speak Up for What You Need (And What You Don’t)
Early in my career, I thought I had to say yes to everything, but I really learned that it only leads to burnout and resentment. If you’re overwhelmed or have another idea about how to approach a project, it is fine to share that. Most managers appreciate knowing when their team members need support or when they have ideas to make things better.
Being proactive means talking up, whether it’s needing more time for a project, asking for clarification, or even proposing a different way to handle a task. It doesn’t just protect your well-being; it helps your team succeed, too.
- Success Doesn’t Always Look the Same for Everyone
Success, in our opinion, is one thing – climbing up the corporate ladder to work on bigger titles and earn bigger paychecks. Yet, by definition, success has to be in the eyes of the beholder. For you, it often means finding work that enables you to live your life, be with your family, create, or do other things that are your passions. Perhaps the concept of your success is such that you have reached a level at which you feel right and everything is balanced.
Define success for yourself, and don’t let anyone else’s version distract you from what really matters to you. True to that, it may be the best career advice ever written.
Conclusion
If I could give my younger self just one final piece of advice, it would be this: keep learning, but don’t be too hard on yourself along the way. Career growth is a full life of twists and turns, and it’s all right if you take some time to figure things out. Keep adding to your skills, keep connecting with people, and keep being curious. Above all, be patient with yourself.
The road may be rockier than you want it to be, but each step forward adds up. So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and remember that each step may be big or small, but it matters. I just hope these tips make the career path at least a little lighter and way more rewarding. Good luck!
