After nearly a four decade career, I sometimes wonder how I survived many early retirement offers and frequent company downsizing initiatives. One reason may be that I picked up a lot of career advice from colleagues and bosses along the way. I listened to some, but not all. Here are some:
– My first boss on the first day told me, “Be nice to people on the way up. You need their help on the way down.”
-Always ask “why”? Look for ways to improve processes and products to increase profitability and productivity.
-Never stop learning. Be excited about taking on new roles.
– When you are given a job, do the best you can even though you don’t like it, You are going to be judged by how well you do in your current job before they promote you to another job you like.
– If opportunity doesn’t knock on your door, put in more doors.
– Develop a strong network inside and outside the company.
– Never say “No” to your boss and his immediate boss.
– Be nice to everyone. You never know who is going to be your boss next year.
– Find out who your boss likes and hates. Never praise the one he hates in front of him.
What is the best career advice you ever got? Or the advice you will give to any one working today?
While many HumbleDollar readers are retired or nearing retirement, there are many more who are still working. They will all benefit from your advice.
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Always do the best you can. You never know when a little thing is really a big thing. People you work for and people who work for you will know, and more importantly, you will know. You have to look in the mirror every day.
Enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life
Always tell the truth and you’ll never have to remember what you said
It was early in my career as a civil servant and I had just made the minimum time in grade when a position opened up for the next pay grade. I asked my supervisor if I had what it takes to apply for the position and she was totally onboard. I’m very grateful to this day for her response and her willingness to support me.
My parents gave me their best advice, not in words but by EXAMPLE. In other words work hard and you will achieve your goals. My advice to especially anyone new to the job or a new grad, Know what you like and are passionate about, then you will not call it Work! and you will succeed beyond your expectations.
Getting a job that is a good fit with your passions is not always easy. But certainly worth it.