Starting your career can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Every decision seems monumental, every move permanent.
But here’s the thing — most of us are making the same predictable mistakes. I know because I made them too.
After years of watching early professionals stumble through the same pitfalls, I’ve identified the three most common missteps that derail promising careers.
The good news? They’re all fixable.
Title Chasing
It’s not just about the promotion. I get it — seeing that shiny new title on LinkedIn feels incredible. But focusing solely on climbing the corporate ladder without building the skills to back it up is a recipe for long-term stagnation.
Focus on developing valuable skills in growing industries for long-term upside. The professionals who thrive aren’t the ones with the fanciest titles; they’re the ones with the most valuable skill sets.
Network Neglect
Growing a network but not nurturing it is like planting a garden and never watering it. Do not just collect contacts — that’s amateur hour.
Double down on rocket ship managers, mentors, and peers, and stay in touch consistently. Even simple text check-ins work. The relationships you build early in your career will become your most valuable assets later.
Path Paralysis
Thinking your first job defines your whole path is the biggest career myth out there. My first 7 years were linear, then came the fun roller coaster of Amazon, pre-seed startup, and entrepreneurship.
You don’t need the perfect first step. Your career will zigzag, pivot, and surprise you in ways you can’t imagine right now. That’s not a bug — it’s a feature.
Conclusion
If you’ve made any of these missteps, don’t worry. I did too. That’s how you learn (and have good stories to tell).
Here’s your quick recap of the three career mistakes to avoid:
- Title Chasing: Focus on building valuable skills in growing industries instead of just climbing the ladder
- Network Neglect: Nurture relationships consistently rather than just collecting contacts
- Path Paralysis: Remember that your first job doesn’t define your entire career trajectory
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