5 Career Lessons I wish I knew

If I could go back and have a conversation with my younger self about my career, there’s so much I would share. We’re often so focused on what we think matters at the time, but looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier. So, here are five lessons I would give my younger self that could’ve changed the way I approached my career.?

If you’re just starting out in your career, maybe these will help you grow faster and achieve what you want sooner.

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If I knew then what I know now, I would tell my younger self that while it's great to get good marks and be the class topper, it’s equally important to focus on personal skills like communication, presentation, and building a personal brand. Back then, I spent so much time on the technical side of things, but the truth is personal growth is what can really set you apart.

If I had spent more time on these soft skills, and learning how to showcase my work through platforms like social media, my career might have taken a different turn much earlier. So, ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????? ????????????????. ???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ????????-???????? ??????????????.

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There was a point in my career, about five years in, when I had the chance to lead a team. But I turned it down because I didn’t feel ready. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t supposed to feel ready. If I knew Richard Branson’s advice back then — that if someone offers you an opportunity and you don’t know how to do it, say yes and learn along the way — I would have jumped at that chance.

I wish I had told myself to stop doubting and just go for it. Opportunities don’t always come when you think you’re ready. ?????? ?????????? ???? ??????????, ???? ???????? ?????? ???????????? ??????????, ???????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????? ????.

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There have been times in my career when I settled for less than I should have — whether it was in salary, recognition, or the value placed on my work. Sometimes we make excuses: maybe it’s due to personal circumstances or external pressures, but the reality is, the moment you settle for less, you end up getting even less than that.

Never settle. Whether it's about pay, respect, or the opportunities you're given—ask for what you deserve. And if you don't get it, have the courage to walk away. ?????? ?????? ???? ???? ???????????????? ???? ?????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????? ??????????..

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One thing I would definitely tell my younger self is to start working on leadership early. And I’m not just talking about managing people, but personal leadership — learning how to lead yourself.

If I had focused on this earlier, I would have been more confident in navigating the challenges that came my way. ???????????????????? ??????’?? ???????? ?????????? ?? ??????????; ????’?? ?????????? ????????????????????, ????????????????-????????????, ?????? ?????????????????????????? ?????? ???? ???????????? ????????????????. Sure, the barriers are there, but don’t let them stop you from pursuing what you want. You have to focus on what you can control and push forward no matter what.

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This is probably the hardest lesson, but one of the most important. Throughout my career, I’ve found myself trying to meet everyone’s expectations — whether it’s colleagues, managers, or even family. We get so caught up in pleasing everyone else that we end up compromising on what we actually want.

Looking back, I wish I had just focused on what made me happy and stopped worrying so much about what others thought. ??????’?? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????? ????????. People will always have opinions, but in the end, it’s your journey, and you have to do what’s right for you.

Apart from this, if I had to tell my younger self just one thing, it would be to trust the process, keep moving, and focus on growth. You’re never going to have all the answers, and that’s okay. Just keep learning, taking chances, and pushing forward.?????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ??????’???? ?????????? ???? ????, ???? ???????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???????? ???? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ??????????????.

I am Sajna Samad and I am a Jay Shetty Certified Life Coach and John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach focused on Career and Leadership topics. As a ???????????? ??????????, I am committed to helping professionals stand out from the crowd by creating your ???????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????. As a ???????????????????? ??????????, I enable ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????? to make successful transitions into leadership roles. Together, we'll overcome impostor syndrome, boost self-confidence, and establish your personal brand.

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