There are few things in life that pose a more daunting challenge than starting a career.
Some may wonder, how is that hard, or daunting. For this, it is important to remember that there is a difference between having a job and having a career. A career is something that you grow into, a path that you grow within and rise up through the ranks as your expertise and abilities grow.
How do you go about starting a career? That’s an important question, so keep reading for some advice on how you can ensure your career starts off on the right footing.
Know Your Why Before Starting a Career
Knowing you why is imperative if you are thinking about starting a career. Know what it is you want to do, and why you want to do it.
You don’t want to spend your time building a career in a field or area of study that you don’t enjoy, or without knowing what your end game is. Whether you want status, salary or to run your own business and create an empire. There are many ways to classify a career, and knowing your why will help you understand the route that is right for you.
Don’t be Afraid to Move to Advance Your Career
A career does not mean a life sentence. Sure, if you enjoy where you are working and the growth potential is there, then stay and climb the ladder. However, you should never stay somewhere that leaves you unhappy or unfulfilled. It is your career you are building, and you need to make the decisions that are right for you.
If this means leaving to find employment elsewhere, maybe even hiring the services of an executive search firm, then so be it.
Sometimes a move can be the best thing for you. Even if there is room for growth in your current firm. A fresh environment, and a fresh set of ideas – yours – can really give you and your career a big boost.
Bridges are Made for Crossing Not Burning
Business is not just about what you know, but who you know, and also who knows you. That is why, when starting a career you need to be careful to never burn your bridges. Just because you leave a company, even if you hated it, they may just be a connection you need later on.
Be polite and professional at all times, and you will gain a reputation as a worker that can be counted on and trusted when the time comes.
Word of mouth is a wonderful career builder, but if you burn too many of those bridges, you will find that it is also a career destroyer.
A Career is Not Built in a Day Just Keep Working
The thing to remember about a career is that it takes time to get the ball rolling, and can take even longer until you reach the heights you have been aiming for. The key is to just work hard and put in the graft. Never give up because you never know when your big break is going to arrive.
Don’t forget, if you ever find yourself struggling for motivation or questioning what you could do to keep that momentum going then we have plenty of reading material to motivate and inspire you. Check it out whenever you feel the need.