10 realities you need to accept to grow your career

#1 No one owes you anything

Take initiative.

Your career is your responsibility.

#2 The comfort zone ISN’T your friend

Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

Don’t let fear of failure or complacency hold you back.

#3 Good workers, get more work

Learn to say no and avoid taking on too much.

You need to set boundaries.

#4 Parts of your job will suck

No one likes 100% of their job.

But sometimes we have to do things we don’t like – it’s part of life.

#5 Always think, “How does this affect others?”

Try and deliver on things that improve the outcomes for:

• Your team
• Your business
• Your managers
• Your customers

#6 Your attitude is just as important as your skills

Employers are becoming more aware that it’s easier to teach skills than attitude.

Be great to work with – punctual, polite and respectful.

#7 If you don’t ask, you won’t get

Promotion, pay rise, development opportunities. 

If you don’t ask for them, you likely won’t get them. 

People aren’t always thinking about what’s best for you.

Make sure you always are.

#8 Being easy to work with is an underrated career skill

Smart, knowledgeable and results-driven people are great.

But if no one wants to work with them, their career will hit a ceiling.

Be easygoing, provide support and get the work done.

#9 Be known as someone who ‘GETS STUFF DONE’

If you are, the opportunities will come.

But, pick and choose extra responsibilities wisely. 

You want to maintain boundaries, not become the ambulance at the bottom of the hill.

#10 Your career won’t be smooth sailing

There’ll be ups and downs.

Take them in your stride and keep moving forward. 

Sometimes, it takes one step back to go two steps forward.