Careers are long and winding. They are filled with ups and downs, failures and wins and lots of opportunity. The good news is you’re never stuck if you aren’t happy—with persistence and hard work, there’s always a way to open a new door.
I’m a big believer that opening doors in your career requires self reflection. It’s important to take a step back and think about what you’ve learned, what you would do different and what you did right. It’s important to apply the learnings:
@WarJessEagle Learn lessons from every position you hold and when you get to be a leader or owner, apply them. Don't repeat mistakes.
— CoMoJoe (@CoMoJoe) May 4, 2016
It does not matter where you are in your career—we have all had moments of great growth and learning. This blog celebrates those learnings, both from my career and from my Twitter friends.
One job does not define your career.
When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work in sports, but my first job out of school was not the traditional route into sports business. I worked at the Atlanta Track Club, but the road ed-inform.net industry is a lot like working for a team: Small and mighty staff, long hours, nights and weekends. Nothing was very traditional. Looking back, the ATC was one of the best first gigs for me. It allowed me to take on meaningful work, expanded my skill set and taught me the important skill of self-learning. The skill sets I learned from my first job eventually landed me a great opportunity at the NCAA.
It’s up to you to make the most of where you are. Develop the skills that will help you in the future. Remember that careers are long and one job doesn’t define your entire future. Work hard, be persistent and don’t be afraid to go an unexpected route.
Learning never stops.
The day you feel you are done learning is the day you should stop working. It does not matter what industry you are in, everything evolves and changes—and at every stage. If you want to continue to push the envelope in your career, then you have to push your own personal growth. Reflect, learn, read and absorb as much as you can.
@WarJessEagle you can't stop growing and developing as a manager and a professional in this business or it will pass you by.
— Kevin Young (@kevmyoung) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle make mistakes. Learn from them.
— Jonathan Levitt (@JWLevitt) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle Place a strong emphasis on learning – you can always be doing something better. Especially in social.
— Dom Simons (@DominicSimons) May 4, 2016
.@WarJessEagle You just stated it: BE CURIOUS. All the time. About everything.
— Ron Barry (@ronbarry21) May 4, 2016
Throw away the notion of a “dream job”.
When we think about careers, it’s easy to romanticize about places to work. I’ve been guilty of listing off companies I want to work for versus focusing on what I need out of a job to feel fulfilled.
It’s important to throw away the traditional notion of a dream job… it can be limiting and also disappointing (by romanticizing something too much). Sometimes we don’t even know what we need to be happy with work. And often, work is what you make of it. As you move along throughout your career, take mental notes of what you like and did not like about culture, roles, managers. Don’t limit yourself with romantic notions of what your dream job is.
Be open.
I never thought I would live in Baltimore, but the move here is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I love the city and I love where I work. The thing is, you have to be open.
I’ve moved a lot and the one thing that has made moving easy is the notion that nothing in this life is permanent. The fear of change isn’t so scary when you realize if the change doesn’t work out, it doesn’t have to stay that way. If there’s something you want to do, go for it. It’s better to take the chance than to always wonder “what if”?
If you’ve ever had that itch to leave your current city, do it now. If you’ve been pursuing a job relentlessly and the day finally comes, take it. If an unexpected opportunity comes up, don’t just close the door on it. As they say, fortune favors the bold. Be open and go for it.
https://twitter.com/GloriaAngelene/status/727674152920977408
@WarJessEagle Don't be afraid to take chances (move or apply for a job you may not have the qualifications for). You never know.
— Ryan Schuler (@Ryan_Schuler) May 4, 2016
Execution matters.
One of my favorite things about my job is having the opportunity to strategize and ideate. And while I would love nothing more than to just spend my day scribbling ideas on a white board, execution is what makes your ideas valuable.
We can spend all day building beautiful decks and brainstorming, but all of that is fruitless if we don’t act on it. Ideation and brainstorms are important, but don’t just let everything be smoke and mirrors. Those that produce the work surface to the top. Brainstorm, strategize then make sure you execute.
There are no “real” rules.
You can read all kind of books on careers, leadership, etc., but at the end of the day there are no real rules. Don’t be afraid to do things your way. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Step up and stand out.
@WarJessEagle Take chances. Create your own opportunities. The "rules" don't really exist. Don't chase money, chase your interests.
— Josh Spector (@jspector) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/acb_cpa/status/727679452721860609
Speak up.
I often take time to internalize my thoughts. And early on in my career, I got feedback from my managers to speak up more. They constantly coached me to step up to the table. I eventually developed the confidence needed to speak up. When I did, I noticed people started viewing me differently. I was brought into more brainstorms, more projects and put in front of leadership.
The problem with internalizing your thoughts and never speaking up is that people won’t know your thought process and leadership. You have to find the courage to bring your voice to the table and be heard. It’s not about speaking just to speak, but adding perspective. Studies show that successful people speak up… and I don’t think that’s by coincidence.
Get use to “no”.
I’ve been fortunate to have a fantastic career so far, but the road hasn’t always been easy. I’ve heard more than 1000 no’s, but have never let them hold me back from pursuing what I love. If I listened to every no I heard all the way, I wouldn’t have landed a fantastic job at a company I love. Rejection is a part of life. No’s aren’t easy, but they are necessary to get where you want to be. And in the pursuit of being great, you’re going to hear no. Don’t let the no’s hold back your forward progress. Keep pressing on.
Don’t fear rejection. Instead, celebrate the fact that you’re out their boldly pursuing what you love and want, rejection or not.
Advocate for yourself.
One time I left a job at a company I loved and cried during every exit interview. I left because I felt like I wasn’t being challenged and there wasn’t room to grow, but clearly my emotional response to leaving was perhaps an indication that it wasn’t time to go.
During one of my exit interviews, the person asked why I was leaving. They had no idea how I was feeling. That person had a tough and heartfelt conversation with me about speaking up more. And it was then that I had this “ah-ha” moment: You can’t expect people to read your mind and know what you want. If you love a company you are at, but need a bit of change, don’t be afraid to speak up. Speaking up requires work. It shows that you care. It’s better to advocate and fight the fight then to not speak up at all. Things might not always work out, but at the very least you should try and advocate for yourself. From now on I’ll go down swinging at a place I love before I have to exit.
Great advice from my Twitter friends.
@WarJessEagle Ask "why not yes?" instead of "why bother?"…& listen to your own answer. Act accordingly.
— Danielle Sewell (@DSewellMFA) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle say yes to everything. Then learn to say no.
— Bryan Srabian (@srabe) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/mattwellsey/status/727683905805914113
@WarJessEagle Take risks. Don't worry about what others think of your "path". It's not a formula. And patience/persistence.
— Kristin Adams (@KA23A) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle focus on the work at hand – don't always just think about where it will get you. You'll get there…
— Josh Lukin ☕️🏈 (@coffeeonthe50) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle If you love what you do it will show in your work.
— Micah Eames (@MicahEames) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/TylerNelsonCO/status/727676458857074688
@WarJessEagle humility wins. The more you're truly for others, the more success you'll have (and the more satisfying that success is).
— Kevin DeShazo (@KevinDeShazo) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle What you were praised for a minute ago? Get over it. What you were criticized for a minute ago? Get over it. Push forward.
— Andrew Lentz (@Lentz) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle simple one for me. People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
— Brad Wurthman (@wurthman) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/dduggs11/status/727833737891872768
@WarJessEagle Check your ego @ the door. It keeps you from being open to collaboration & learning from others when you think you know best
— Edmée Jorge Molina (@edmeejorge) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle treat everyone with respect, you don't have to agree with them or like them, but basic respect leads to a good environment.
— Angela Needs Coffee (@anmcb) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle Balance is everything. Finding a way to switch off + stay fresh. Great question + responses, btw.
— Luke Mason (@LukeMason38) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheNRogers/status/727699861089361920
@WarJessEagle Heed relationships. Office politics and egos are part of the game and a harmonious organization is a pre-requisite.
— Neil Horowitz (@njh287) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
— Jackie Berra (@jackie_berra) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/HashPiperdy/status/727826395024478208
@WarJessEagle make mistakes. Learn from them.
— Jonathan Levitt (@JWLevitt) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Do you research, put in the hours, and it will pay off.
— robert hanlon 📸 (@hanlon) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/FordSheild/status/727674444899094529
@WarJessEagle to be courageous enough to try even though you may fail. Sometimes that's how you find success in the long run.
— Tyler Pigg (@TylerPigg_TAMU) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle I think you always have to find out what you're NOT good at before you find out what your niche in life is
— Mark Majewski (@markmajewski) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle Pick the right fit in a job; company culture, who you're reporting to, department, resources, what goes with your work style.
— Clair (@KG7MAJ) May 4, 2016
.@WarJessEagle Always be compassionate and kind.
— k i l e i g h (@kilecarp) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle man up when you screw up. You gain respect by owning your decisions…good and bad.
— Rich Perkins™️ (@archmobperkins) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/lenoreshimon/status/727678318510780417
@WarJessEagle Always have a plan or you'll be a part of someone else's plan.
— CoMoJoe (@CoMoJoe) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle What people don't understand they fear. Working in digital requires a lot of patience and teaching.
— Micah Hart (@MicahHart) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle Also – Hire people smarter then yourself and then delegate and get out of their way! 🙂 I view my role as a support for them.
— Josh Decker (@jdbt) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle you can learn from any situation, good or bad. While you can't control atmosphere around you, you control how it affects you.
— Amanda Brooks (@BrooksAD) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/J_Colby_G/status/727676926215790593
@WarJessEagle I just told @kmosier42 this one today:
It's not a matter of time, it's a matter of timing.
— Andy Wenstrand (@CoachWenstrand) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle slow down and pay attention to every detail. Simple but necessary in doing respected work.
— Drew (@djbent21) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle when you're between a great job and a new offer always take the path that will lead to more paths.
— Marissa Mast (@Marissa_Mast) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle have to keep an open mindset to learning/growing as much as possible; also finding time to rest/unwind. Absolutely vital.
— Brandon Lee (@_B_Lee_) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle that being a "know it all," and being arrogant rarely (if ever) helps you or the team around you.
— Jack Patterson (@jackcpatterson) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle Turn bad situations into something great. Use them as motivation to work harder, be better and to go bigger.
— Tom Buchheim (@tombuchheim) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/studrew1/status/727701654091534339
@WarJessEagle work on goal time, not clock time
— Mike Mahoney (@Mahoney) May 4, 2016
@WarJessEagle – done is better than perfect; it's better to have a draft than nothing to show. That's hard to get when you first start out.
— Bethany Green (Cordell) (@bethanycordell) May 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/brandyinboise/status/727686873284366336
@WarJessEagle Find people's whys. Find out what drives them and where they come from. The differences in all of us makes the world go round
— Scott Day (@SDDay35) May 4, 2016
Thanks to everyone on Twitter who participated in this awesome conversation. Be sure to share you biggest career lessons by commenting below.
Thanks for reading!
