3 September Career Mistakes (That Keep You Stuck)

Right now you are probably feeling pretty positive.

The seasons are changing, you are back in your fall/winter routine, and things seem okay.

Sure...you don't really like your job, but that's okay! You'll just get another one and things will be fine, right?

Wrong.

September brings us pumpkin lattes, but it also brings us career mistakes. As you get ready for fall, make sure to avoid doing these:

1. Treating your career like underdone spaghetti.

Have you ever thrown spaghetti against a wall hoping it would stick?

A LOT of people treat their careers like spaghetti. They throw ideas or jobs or opportunities against a wall hoping that the next thing will be better.

As you can imagine, this approach does *not* have tremendous success.

Frankly, your career is worth more than a packet of pasta! I know fall can bring an energy bounce as you contemplate your next step, and I encourage you to make sure that you are making conscious decisions about what to do next.

Sit down and think about everything you want and need in your next job (and also in the one after that). If you aren't sure what you want, start by spending some time day-dreaming about your ideal workspace and perfect day. What does your desk look like? What kind of work are you doing? Where are you doing it? What's your job title?

It sounds a little cheesy, but it's hard to have success if you have no idea what you want to do next (struggling with what to do next? Here's a free action-packed workbook. No worries, you've got this!).

2. Make networking your last priority.

I know - September especially is busy. Kids go back to school, things are hectic.

So, most people de-prioritize their networking.

Please don't do that. Now is a WONDERFUL time to have a seasonally flavored fall beverage with someone old, or new, in order to keep your community warm and your job possibilities open.

There's a reason we have the saying: "Out of sight - out of mind."

You never know when someone will have the PERFECT job opportunity for you, and before things get even busier with the upcoming holidays, why not spend a little time putting yourself (and your career) back on the radar after the summer.

Everyone is back from vacation, conference season is in full swing, and people are thinking about work, and not about the beach. The benefit of that? Many companies are in hiring mode before they slow down again during the winter.

So now is your time! Open your email and send a few messages. And, feel free to use the aforementioned pumpkin lattes as your excuse: "Hey Sharon, the coffee store down the street just started offering their awesome fall flavors, let's go and try them out." :)

3. Focus on the holidays, not on your present situation

The year goes by so fast, doesn't it? In about half a second, it'll be December and another round of crazy office parties will begin.

But, before all of that happens, don't forget that we are in prime conference season right now! Certification programs and other interesting events are happening, and it's a great time to get out there and add a new skill-set to your arsenal.

In a few months things will be much slower because of the holidays, courses will be closed, and you'll have a million other things on your plate.

And then it will be January again...and before you know it, another year will have gone by!

So take a second now and think about one useful new skill or learning you can add to your resume THIS fall, and sign yourself up for a class, a program, a conference, or a new book.

Need help with figuring it all out? Make sure to grab our free, action-packed guide: The Six Simple Steps to Find Your Dream Job right over here.

Christie Mims is the founder of The Revolutionary Club: A Forbes Top 100 Website for careers. Named at top career expert to follow in 2016, she's here to help YOU find work you love. Why? Because frankly - you deserve it! (And it's much better than hating your job). Join the community and get start right over here...click.