7 Career Pitfalls You Need To Avoid

Note: This post originally appeared on The Disruption Institute blog

Are you making some of these career mistakes? Here’s how you can think differently about your future.

1. You’re not growing

Are you challenging yourself?

Solving the same problems day in day out might be easy….but when you let that feeling of stagnation creep in, you’re only hurting yourself.

Do something new to change your status quo.

When you step outside of your comfort zone, you’ll discover what you’re truly capable of.

It’s much more than you think.

2. You’re not networking

Are you staying “heads down” in your cube? That’s a strategy for career disaster.

“Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry!”, as they say.

Successful people didn’t wait build their network BEFORE they needed it.

Set yourself up for future wins by getting out there and meeting peers – whether it’s at conferences, events, etc.

Fresh perspectives can breathe new life into a career.

Plus, these connections and friendships can last a lifetime….and someday might lead to new opportunities!

3. You’re ONLY Learning What Your COMPANY Needs

Are you stuck on old technologies and tools?

Perhaps these might help you at your company….but you need to think long term.

What skills are needed in the marketplace? Not just for today…. but for tomorrow.

Look at where things are going and build towards that.

Then, you’ll be able to create your own freedom instead of being “stuck” with experience that won’t stand out on your resume.

4. You’re too comfortable

Maybe you’re aware that change is needed. Are you waiting for that “someday”?

It always arrives before you know it.

It will most likely look a LOT different than you think, because technology is changing the world faster than ever before.

Stay relevant – it’s your job to keep up….because that “someday” could look like layoffs.

Playing it “safe” doesn’t lead to growth – it leads to disappointment.

Isn’t it time you took control of your destiny and built skills that are in demand?

Get entrepreneurial about your career, invest in yourself and cultivate a growth mindset.

5. You Don’t Have A Mentor

Where are you going? Where do you want to go?

Navigating your career without a mentor can be like a ship without a compass.

Do you have people you trust to get advice from?

Can they give you direction on how to get there?

Ideally, they’ve had success in their career endeavors and genuinely want to help.

Don’t forget: as your career evolves, don’t forget to give back. Make sure you return that karma to the world by mentoring others when possible.

6. You’re Not Part Of The Community

If you’re passionate about something, you’ll take every opportunity to get better at it.

That means going to meetups, reading blog posts, side projects….any sort of opportunity you can take to surround yourself with motivated peers (who are solving different problems).

These are experiences and people you can learn from.

Through these community interactions, a potential employer might be able to see that you’re simply not interested in doing the bare minimum.

You’re going the extra mile. You want to excel.

That matters.

7. You’re Depending On Your Company To Grow Your Career

Are you taking ownership of your future?

Waiting on your company to develop your career is setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.

Never wait on anyone to move your future forward, because no one cares about it more than you.

The more relevant and in demand skills you can build, the more freedom you create for yourself.

Always invest in yourself.

P.S. Are you interested in learning new skills?

The next coding bootcamp at The Disruption Institute starts soon – take control of your destiny and apply today!