Are you making these career mistakes?

Many professionals find themselves in an unhappy situation in their careers, more than once in their lives. Oftentimes, the reason is a horrible career mistake they made. Are you also waiting for a promotion that never seems to come your way, or struggling to make it to the top in a field that you absolutely hate? Then, this article is perfectly timed for you. Today, our career experts share the most common career mistakes made by professionals.

Dressing unprofessionally

Even if your workplace has a casual dress code, there are things you need to pay attention to about your attire. Oversleeping and wearing the same wrinkled shirt to work three days in a row will say a lot of negative things about your professionalism. Don’t make a habit of dressing sloppily to work. You don’t need to wear the latest spring collection, or the biggest brands money can buy. You just need to ensure that your attire fits you well, and is clean and pleasant.

Letting someone else have the last word

Are your career decisions made by your parents or your partner? Letting someone else have the last word on what happens to your career is a huge mistake. It’s important to get feedback from your friends, family, or spouse when making big career choices, but the ultimate decision should always come from you, and no one else.

Avoiding networking like the plague

Don’t enjoy making small talk with people at work? Don’t worry, you can still build a powerful professional network through other means. Make your existing friends and family a part of your professional network by informing them of your career plans. Use LinkedIn as your networking tool and connect with like-minded professionals from your industry. Attend networking events such as career fairs, conferences, office parties, etc.

Being stuck in one field

You don’t have to stick to the industry or the field you chose to study when you were eighteen. Life, and your career, may have so much more to offer you outside of the field you were trained in. If you are feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in your career, you can always pivot. In fact, many professionals are doing so in the post-Covid job market. However, arm yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish yourself in a new industry before you make a career shift.

Letting your health have the backseat

Almost one-third of our lives are spent at work. Therefore, it is understandable why some professionals consider their work the priority of their lives. However, no matter how much you value your work, your mental and physical health should never take the second place. Remember to balance your personal life with your work life for a more fulfilled experience. Aim for a better work-life balance.

Burning bridges when leaving jobs

Are you the type of employee who always makes a scene when leaving an employer? Then, you are self-sabotaging your career advancement. Past employers and colleagues will be valuable assets to your job search one day. Always leave your job on a positive note with your employer. That way, you will have some wonderful people to add to your professional network. So, avoid burning bridges when you quit your job.