7 common career mistakes

What are the most common career mistakes? If you’re making one of them, now’s the time to change your ways and get your career back on track.

What are the most common career mistakes?

1. You are coasting

It’s easy to do – you’ve been at your company for a few years, you’ve got comfortable and have stopped pushing yourself.

By putting a little more effort in every day and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you may well be able to get more out of your job. From securing a promotion to earning a pay rise, a little bit of effort can go a long way.

2. You aren’t seeing the bigger picture

As a busy and ambitious professional who is constantly managing multiple projects and team members, and undoubtedly under relentless pressure to achieve, it can be hard to force yourself to take a step back and really see the bigger picture.

Developing a broader understanding and appreciation of your organisation’s ultimate goals will not only provide you with a deeper sense of purpose and passion for what you do, and ultimately make you more successful.

3. You are putting your career before your life

Though work is important, without a bit of balance in your life you won’t feel truly happy, and if you don’t feel happy or healthy, you’re unlikely to fulfil your career potential. So, take some time out to start putting things into perspective.

4. You always think the grass is greener

Moving jobs because you think the grass is greener somewhere else can be a big mistake. How do you know whether you would be happier if you changed jobs or whether you are better staying where you are?

You need to ensure you are moving for the right reasons before you begin to search for an alternative role.

5. You are allowing your skills to become out of date

With the advancement of new technology moving so quickly, it’s more important than ever to stay up to date and ensure your skills are cutting edge. Failing to keep on top of new innovations could see your career begin to lag, with younger, more dynamic employees snapping at your heels.

6. You aren’t focusing on projects which will drive the most value

Instead of dividing your time between lots of low value projects and losing sight of what matters, try to focus on the projects that will drive your company forward, bring in revenue and help your business to grow. This will only serve to reflect well on you and motivate you to continue to succeed.

7. You don’t believe in yourself

If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s unlikely your employers or colleagues will either. Try to build your confidence by thinking back at all those things you have achieved in your career, stop listening to the voices in your head and start believing in your own abilities again. You are better than you give yourself credit for.