5 Things Nobody Will Ever Tell You About Career Growth

By Lilian Wamaitha
A majority of us if not all have what I like to call “okay” jobs.
We go to work, from 9-5, do what we are supposed to do, head home and then wake up the next day to do the same.
But there are those other people who seem to thrive in whatever careers they are in. They talk about their jobs like it’s a vacation.
These are the people who are eager to jump out of bed on a chilly Monday morning to go to work while you struggle to keep your eyes open.
They impact thousands of lives through what they do while you just keep busy with pointless tasks at work.
They say that if you want to take charge of your career, you need to have a long term plan in place.
That said, here are 5 truths that no one ever tells you about career growth.
1. Always look for growth
It goes without saying that the company you choose determines where your career will be in future.
Always choose to work for a company that can offer you that growth you want rather than just choosing the big names.
Before you apply for any job, always research the company and determine its future.
Also do not look for a job that pays better initially (I know it’s hard to do) but if you really know what you want out of your career you will not be afraid to take a pay cut just to achieve it.
2. When you strategize, be flexible
Where are you now and where do you want to be in a few years’ time? Truth is, if you don’t have a goal you are working towards, it is unlikely that you will get very far.
You need to define what is important to you in that next role you are eyeing. It could be a higher salary, change of location or occupying a certain position in a company.
When you have this figured out, it will be every easy to now move from point A to point B. You will know what jobs to apply for and where. And then, when all is said and done, be flexible.
Remember that there are so many ways to achieve the goals you have set for yourself because if you are rigid you will miss out on a lot of opportunities.
3. Make it your life long goal to keep learning
The world will never stop changing, which means that you should make it your business to keep learning as much as you can. Technology is changing things at a fast pace and if you don’t keep up, you will be left behind.
There is never an excuse for ignorance.
Make it a habit to lean into your weaknesses instead of trying to hide them, and sign up for courses that will help you build on what you are not good at.
Are you a great team player and head of a department but doesn’t influence others as you would like? A leadership course would help put you in the right track.
If you are a great worker but always find yourself terrified of speaking to a lot of people, maybe it’s about time you signed up for a public speaking course.
Learn to invest your time and effort where it matters– you!
4. Get yourself a mentor and always ask for advice
Seek out someone who has been in your situation but somehow managed to get past it. There is a ton you can learn from them.
Some of us are in our current situations because we are afraid to ask for help.
I always say that there is no better investment like investing in yourself.
Do you want to be among those who seem to thrive and enjoy what to do? Then get yourself a mentor.
The good news is that there are so many programs out there like the CSS 7-Week Career Mentorship Program that you can invest in if you are serious about taking you career to the next level.
5. Always learn from experience
Experience as they say is the best teacher and failure is the stepping stone to success.
Always learn from your mistakes and only then can you achieve the kind of career growth that you desire.
At the end of each day, always reflect on what you did– the mistakes that you made and what you did well. Then you are at a better place to face tomorrow knowing that you will not repeat the same mistakes.
And that’s how you grow. And above all, never regret anything. Each shortcoming is just a way of preparing your fort the future.
With this in mind
Remember that you spend almost half your life at work.
Spending all this time depressed, complaining and filled with ‘If Only’ wishes is what leads most professionals into deep unknown depression while others quit work completely.
Don’t get to this point. Seek advice while it’s still early.
Lilian is a Communication Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a HR and Recruitment firm offering trainings, coaching and job placements. To reach her today and sign up for this CSS Career Mentorship Program, email her through lilian@corporatestaffing.co.ke and she will get back to you.