Top 20 Inconvenient Career Truths

Posted by Christine Scivicque

This post was inspired by Charlie Gilkey’s recent (genius!) post 20 Inconvenient Business Truths. I read it and realized that, in career coaching, I share inconvenient truths with my clients on a regular basis. I know it’s sometimes hard to hear these things but, in the end, they make you stronger.

1. Almost everyone starts at the bottom. Regardless of what you think you deserve, you probably will to.
2. There are no “right” answers for finding career fulfillment. Every path is different; every destination unique.
3. It’s not enough to be good at what you do. Talent and skill will only take you so far.
4. Work is not separate from the rest of your life. Compartmentalization is a myth.
5. Professional growth requires discomfort.
6. If you’re unhappy with your career, it’s up to you to change it. No one else controls your situation.
7. Almost every job has a tradeoff. You’ll probably never get everything you want in one place.
8. Achieving long-term career goals requires sustained effort and deliberate action. It’s no accident or coincidence.
9. Your career is about YOU.
10. A successful job search should take anywhere from three to six months. It’s not something that happens overnight.

Truths 11 - 20 and original Forbes post