We tend to think of careers as moving in a linear, upward trajectory. But that’s only the ideal career, and since when has anything been ideal? The fact of the matter is, in an age when job security is less robust than ever, there are plenty of things that can hinder your path to the top. In fact, it’s questionable whether it’s even possible to reach the top, given the concentration of wealth in today’s world. In this post, we’ll look at some common factors that can derail career success, as well as offer some tips on how you navigate them.
You might be working well and improving with each passing year, but if the business you work for isn’t also doing those things, then you might find yourself unemployed if the business has to cease trading. While this, of course, often has nothing to do with the individual, it can still have unintended consequences for their career success. Depending on when the layoff occurs, it may be difficult to find a new role within a few months. If you approach the year mark, then it’ll be even more difficult to find work. The best approach is to keep things going while you’re looking for work, either by freelancing or taking on part-time work.
You never know what’s going to happen. While we hope that good things will come our way, the reality is that there’s always a chance that something bad happens too. If you experience a personal injury, then aside from bringing physical issues you may also find that you’re not able to work as well as you used to — and, in some cases, may be unable to work at all until you’ve recovered. If you find yourself in this position, then the first thing to do is to get in contact with a personal injury lawyer, who will fight on your behalf for maximum compensation. That’ll ensure that you have some financial protection until you’re ready to return to work.
There’s a long list of careers that no longer exist because technological advancements meant that machines could do them instead. The rise of AI means that many jobs are on the chopping block, including those that were previously in high demand, such as software development. If you’re concerned about your ability to earn in the future, then now’s the time to begin diversifying your skill set or specializing. That way, you’ll still have something to offer in the future.
It’s important to dedicate time to your career. After all, you can’t reach the highest levels if you’re not working hard. But keep in mind that, sometimes, working too hard can actually have a negative impact on your career. If you experience burnout, then you may have to take an extended break from the workforce. As such, it’s important to find a good work/life balance, which will allow you to work better, for longer.
You should try to keep your personal and professional lives separate, but that’s not always possible. If you go through an intense personal issue, then it’s inevitable that your productivity and work quality will suffer. The best approach in times like these is to talk to your boss; if they’re a good one, then they’ll understand that work won’t be your priority for a while.
Finally, remember that your career success depends, in large part, on your drive to be successful. All too often, you see people get a job only to then coast through for the rest of their careers. While it’s not hard to see the appeal of taking the approach, it does come with inherent risks — for one thing, in the case of layoffs, you’ll be more likely to be the first to go. It’ll also prevent you from earning as much money as you could, and also, just more broadly, it’ll probably decrease your career happiness. If you find yourself just coasting along, then look at making your career a priority for a while. You might be surprised at just how easy it is to progress once you put some effort in.
It’s always good to go into any aspect of your life with positivity. But it’s worth remembering that when it comes to your career, there are plenty of aspects that can push you off course. Some of these things will be beyond your control, in which case all you can do is ensure that you respond to them in the right way.
