If you’re looking to make a difference when climbing the career ladder, it’s not just about the people you meet along the way, or the ideas you spearhead, but it’s about having respect for yourself. This isn’t something that many people consider when climbing up a career ladder. While the fundamentals like hard work and learning how to network properly are essential skills, some people can feel like they are selling their soul to have a seat at the grown-ups table. So how can you progress up the career ladder without being a doormat?
Shutterstock Licensed Photo – By hvostik
Have A Passion for The Industry
This might sound very obvious, but if you are looking to progress in a career that you don’t really care for, are you respecting yourself? This is why it’s important for you to choose a career where you are feeling like you’re doing something to benefit others. Of course, we’re all different, but there are career choices where you might not have considered them to be helpful on the surface but do a lot to benefit people. Many employment lawyers get gratification from taking on big industries to ensure that their client gets treated equally. And this is something that, when you are climbing up the career ladder, you need to demand from others. If you’re not treated equally, is it time to go?
Never Be Afraid to Leave
If you’re not getting anywhere, and they’re not recognizing your talents, or you’ve got a manager trying to block every move you make, you shouldn’t be afraid to leave so you can get ahead in life. Having respect for yourself means having the courage to jump off the ship from time to time. If you’re not recognized for your vision, or you are constantly in conflict with others, is it going to benefit you overall?
Learn How to Say “No”
Saying “no” is a very powerful skill, yet when we are working hard at developing ourselves, we feel like we have to accept every offer that comes our way. If you do this, are you going to spread yourself thin? And if so, is it going to severely impact your quality of work? It’s important to take a step back from time to time and examine whether a certain offer will benefit you or not. While you might want to show that you are keen to work every hour under the sun, burnout is very common among people who are looking to expand their career. You might think about it in the long term, in which case you are more than happy to push on, but if you end up getting burnt out, will you be off for an unforeseen amount of time, and will someone take your place?
You shouldn’t be a doormat when climbing up the career ladder; you need to have respect for yourself and the choices you make. Sometimes you can realize halfway through your journey that you’ve chosen the wrong career, but it’s never too late to make a change. But above all else, it’s vital you have respect for yourself, this will give you the confidence to chase after what you want.
