5 Major Mistakes to Avoid in your Career

It has been a long journey through so many uncertainties, conflict of choices, and a vast variety
of options that you have had to choose from, trying reaching the right opportunity that you
finally call your career job. Congratulations ! here you are aspiring and looking forward to a
future that looks so promising, and wow ! isn’t it wonderful ?

Now, moving forward from here on, you may find a lot of information, tips, and guidance that
can help you in your career progression. “ 10 best tips for a fast track career “ etc. etc. They are
all so rosy, and good to know but have you ever thought of what not to do so your career
progression never has to stall or retard ?

Habitual late comers, shabbily dressed, busting the timelines etc - may be the obvious
behaviors that are bound to affect your career adversely. It is most likely that are well
disciplined, and careful on all such accounts But there are certain less obvious things you
might be doing at work that could damage your career in the long run. Here is a list of five
that you must be aware of.

1. EXCESSIVE COMPLAINING

Healthy criticism or occasional pointing out of errors in your work place is appreciable but if
you are complaining all the times, even amongst your colleagues, it could gain you a
reputation as someone who’s perpetually ungrateful and never satisfied, your colleagues
wouldn’t like to partner with you on projects for fear that your negativity will impact them. A
better bet, therefore, is to keep your complaining to a minimum. It’s OK to grumble when
your manager asks you to work late three nights in a row, but don’t whine about every little
thing that appears unsatisfactory to your perception.

2. STICKING TO A COMFORT ZONE

Once you get used to a certain routine at work, sticking with it can be comforting. It’s also a
good practice in stress avoidance. After all, if you know what you’re doing, you’re less likely
to make mistakes or face challenges that make you look weak. Here’s the problem, though: If
you keep up the same routine for too long, you’ll risk cornering yourself into a dead-end
job with limited to no room for growth.

3. NOT SOCIALING WITH CO-WORKERS

It’s a good thing to have the ability to focus on important assignments and avoid the
distractions so many office workers face. But if you err on the side of not being social at
work at all, it might impede your ability to build relationships with your peers. Knowing the
right people might help your career just as much as your solid output.

4. NOT ASKING YOUR BOSS FOR FEEDBACK

Don’t be afraid asking your boss if you did the assignment OK, The more feedback you
receive, the more opportunities you’ll get to improve. Rather than avoid asking for feedback
for fear of opening up a can of worms, ask your boss for a quarterly sit-down to discuss your
performance. This will show your manager that you’re interested in doing well and aren’t
too shy to accept criticism.

5. WORKING LATE

You might think that working beyond the office time consistently will help your career, since
it shows your manager that you’re hard working. No, it is not. Avoid risking burning out.

Do keep in mind that the last thing you want to do is engage in any kind of behavior that
hurts your career instead of helping it. Avoid these mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Good luck !