Things you should know at the beginning of your career

Currently I am at the beginning of my career and doing my first ever job, I learn every day and the process of learning always fascinates me. Here are few major things that I have learned so far and I think everyone who is going to step into the professional world should know:

?Always Work harder:

Everyone has goals to achieve and everyone is constantly working to achieve them. If you don’t constantly work on yourself, you will be left behind. Satisfaction is bad for struggle. If you get a job it doesn’t mean you stop learning new things, it doesn’t mean you have achieved all the skillset that is required to be successful, it doesn’t mean you have got everything you need, it doesn’t mean you stop exploring new things. Work harder always. Because, you can be replaced if you don’t learn, unlearn and relearn constantly. Always try to cope up with the changes and be as adaptable as possible. Do some side hustle alongside your job, follow your passion, do voluntary work, be a freelancer and more. Work hard, Take breaks, treat yourself, take care of your mental and physical health and do wonderful things.

You do You:?

I don’t believe in being a yes man all the time. If an organization is not letting you be who you are, how are you going to make an impact in the organization and your life? If all you are supposed to do is say yes then what is the point of doing the work? What is the point of investing in your learning? I have seen people saying yes to their bosses every time to get an increment or to be in the good books. But, on the contrary, I am never in the favor of this. If I have a point that I strongly believe in. I will stand up for it always. I understand that bosses are more experienced and maybe they know more. But, it is not forever the case. There are times we being newcomers know more. We have a fresh and new perspective that if suppressed or not heard can negatively affect the organization. Therefore, always stand up for what you believe in, prove your point in a good way.

Stay true to yourself:

When you are working for an organization always stay loyal. Never do anything that may cause a problem for the organization. But, it doesn't mean you forgo the opportunities that are coming your way. It’s your life and the choices you make today will affect your future immensely. Therefore, always be cautious while taking risks and making choices. If you want to grow, if you want to learn something new, if you want to switch your career, you don’t owe the organization anything. Doesn’t matter how indispensable you are, you can always be replaced. So, think about your growth and development. Go for that startup that excites you, go for that job that fascinates you, just go for your dreams.

Help others in the journey:

Everyone has a dream, every parent wants their child to be successful, and everyone is struggling to achieve something. This is a journey of excellence and not a cutthroat competition. Always remember we rise by lifting each other. If you know anything teach others and that will make you learn that thing twice and eventually you will be better than before. So it’s a win-win. I have seen people who don’t let others shine because they think others’ light will dim theirs. That’s never true. Such people don’t work on themselves and are always intimidated by every other individual in the room. These people are always afraid of being replaced therefore, they don’t teach others anything. Ironically, they are losers. Therefore, always give a piece of advice to whoever needs it, always try to make an impact in someone else’s life, always try to bring others up, always try to make the office space worth working in, always be the person with positive vibes and someone who inspire other to be more and do more.

Little gestures speak loudly:

Have you ever seen the happiness in someone else’s eyes because of something you did? It’s so rewarding and precious. At my workplace, I try to bring happiness to others with very few gestures. If someone is absent ask them is everything okay, if someone is not their usual self ask them what is wrong and listen to them, be there for your colleagues when they need you, your card or a small gift can make someone’s birthday or any special day very memorable, the way you make others feel special is magical, greeting junior-level staff the same way you greet your boss will not demean you in any way, make your interns feel like they are a valuable part of your organization. All of these are the things I always make sure to do. All of these gestures make me feel good and positive and the people around me happy, heard, and valued. You get to spend half of the time with the people you work with, make a place worth working in.?

?Everyone has their timeline:

Some people are the youngest CEOs, some people don’t have jobs, and there are different people, with different backgrounds and stories. None of them is superior to others. Everyone has a journey and everyone has a life. If you have got your dream job earlier than others. It doesn’t make you superior to the person who is struggling to find an internship. It doesn’t make you more capable or intelligent. Everyone is extremely capable, competent, hardworking, passionate and skillful. We are just one opportunity away from everything. So, if you have still not reached where you are supposed to reach. It’s completely okay. Work constantly on yourself, be extremely patient and eventually you will get what is best for you. Do not ever compare your journey to others. You don’t know others’ stories or what they are going through at that moment, what they have lost to achieve that achievement, how they have reached there. You don’t know anything, so stop assuming that you know and trust the process.

Experiment more and add value:

I have been lucky to start my career in an organization that supports me and appreciates my ideas. They always guide me, never restrain my thoughts and ideas. Therefore, I have learned so much by experimenting with new things. I learned how to design campaigns, make social media calendar, align things for marketing, plan and execute events, etc. if you get the opportunity to learn something new, experiment, and learn. You will face few failures but in the end, it is all worth it. Moreover, always add value to your organization. It doesn’t matter if you are not appreciated enough, still, add value because that will bring happiness and a feeling of fulfillment to you.

?Always learn:

The more you learn, the more you will be aware and your mental horizons will expand. Learn from your juniors, learn from your seniors, learn from experiences, books, articles, case studies, courses, etc. learn and spread your knowledge. When you sit with your colleagues learn from their experiences. Moreover, always try to analyze and critically evaluate things. It will change your perception, you will obtain thought leadership, you will respect others' ideas more, and you will grow into a completely different and better human.

Here’s to learning more and growing into my best version. These are a few of the things that I have learned along the way, please share what you have learned in your journey so far??