Navigating your early career can be challenging. I know that from experience.

But now, years into my career, I can look back at what I had to learn for myself and realize five pieces of career advice I wish someone had told me. These are things I wish I had learned earlier.

  1. Think like a taste tester. You won’t have everything figured out when you’re just getting started. That’s ok! Just like when you go to an ice cream shop and try a few flavors before deciding what to order, don’t be afraid to try different things in your life and career. Experiment and find what resonates with you.
  2. Build your own ladder. It used to be that everyone had to pay their dues and climb the standard corporate ladder. But you don’t have to climb someone else’s ladder; you can make your own. Chart your own course and don’t feel pushed to do things how everyone else does them.
  3. Listen to others, but make your own decisions. Everyone has an opinion about what you should do in your life and career. It’s good to hear their thoughts, but ultimately, you are responsible for making the decisions about your life. No one will look out for you but you.
  4. Life is too short to be miserable at work. I spent years dreading going to work because I thought I just had to slog through it. But life is too short to be in a job you hate. Don’t suffer and go through the motions. If you’re miserable, make a change.
  5. Be self-aware. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Play to your talents and get help in areas where you aren’t as strong. If I had been self-aware earlier in my career, I would have gotten help and built a team much earlier.

I’m grateful for my career journey to get me where I am today, but there are lessons I wish I had learned earlier. If you’re just starting out, I hope this advice puts you on a great path to success.

I put together a video which talks about this in more detail. Please check it out below and if you want more content like this you can subscribe to my Youtube channel.

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