10 Common Career Mistakes

what-was-i-thinkingI’ve made the mistake of feeling helpless and I don’t want you to feel the same way.

The list below was created to help remind you to stay in control of your career and not give up on designing the career of your dreams.



1. Do everything your boss asks you.

2. Telling yourself that your job is just a job, so you don’t care too much about it.

3. Not networking with people in your field.

4. Wishing that you had a better job and not building your resume to actually get that job.

5. Not taking breaks to recharge your mental batteries.

6. Isolating yourself from your co-workers.

7. Not seeking out other people’s help on big projects. (i.e. thinking you can do it all on your own.)

8. Allowing interruptions (meetings, phone calls, and internet) to stop your work flow.

9. Not using your favorite superpower every single day. (e.g. asking great questions. That’s my favorite superpower.)

10. Worrying too much about how much money you make instead of the impact you have on other people.

What would you add to the list?

* Nathan Hangen and I created an e-course called Fear to Fuel to help people face their arch nemesis and do creative work that they love. If you are interested in taking your passion to the next level, click here to check out the free bonuses we put together for you.

* Do you read e-books? I enjoy a good business e-book every now and again. I don’t like to read on my computer for extended periods of time, but short books are fantastic. Click here to check out what J.D. of Get Rich Slowly thinks about them.

If you found this post insightful, you will probably like these too:

> How to Find Career Fulfillment

> What Would You do Differently in Your Career?

Image courtesy of twenty_questions

8 thoughts on “10 Common Career Mistakes”

  1. Pingback: Tweets that mention 10 Common Career Mistakes | Work Happy Now! -- Topsy.com

  2. Pingback: Twitter This Morning « Bess Wess

  3. Excellent post!

    I would add – burning bridges with former employers to that list!

    So many people, when quitting their job, leave on bad terms. You never know when you might need your old boss / company, and it can sometimes come back to bite you!

  4. Hi Lee, That’s a great #11. Too often we don’t keep on touch with the people we worked with. You are right, an old boss or colleague can use our help then we have a chance to make a difference in their lives. These relationships can yield a lot of happiness if we cultivate them.

  5. Hi Karl — true, when I was in a law firm environment I often found myself isolated in my office and on the phone or e-mail with people in some remote place, and just wanting face-to-face human contact. That alone is a good reason to stay connected with people. Even today, as I spend a lot of time writing, I do find myself needing that.

  6. One of the most cutting questions one of my mentors gave me is … “What do you want to spend more time doing each day?”

    It sounds so simple, but it’s a great way to always get back on track or choose a path forward.

  7. Pingback: Best of Work Happy Now 2010 | Work Happy Now!

Comments are closed.