The 4 Rules For Career Success That I Will Always Follow
Apr 19, 2024
Transitioning teachers are no strangers to the scary road of reinvention. As a teacher turned corporate leader, I know full well how challenging things can get in this unfamiliar territory. Now that I've made it, I realize my success can be boiled down to four absolute rules to follow, no matter your specific circumstances.
Rule 1: Always Bet on Yourself
Nobody knows your skills and potential better than you do. When moving into unfamiliar career waters, the ability to bet on yourself is non-negotiable. I faced this head-on when considering a switch from teaching to the corporate sector. I was familiar with the classroom, not the boardroom, and the inclination to second-guess my relevance in a competitive marketplace was overwhelming.
I took stock of my transferable skills: public speaking, adaptability, and the critical ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly. As I began to acknowledge and leverage these skills, coupled with my passion for lifelong learning, my transition gathered steam. When others questioned my path, my silence spoke volumes—my confidence was my greatest ally.
How to apply this rule:
- Inventory your skills and document instances where they've proven valuable.
- Network with those who've made similar transitions and seek their advice and support.
- Believe in your capacity for growth and improvement as you take on new challenges.
Rule 2: Fill Your Own Cup Before Trying to Pour into Everyone Else’s
Striving for self-fulfillment is foundational to your success. As a teacher, the instinct to foster everyone's growth, often at the expense of my own, was deeply ingrained. This mindset was incompatible with a transition that demanded my growth and attention.
I experienced burnout when I first entered the corporate sphere. It was a familiar weight, yet one I had to confront with a new strategy. Prioritizing my well-being and carving out time for professional development was a hard-learned, but necessary step. Only by ensuring my own growth and resilience could I make a meaningful impact and become a leader in my new arena.
How to apply this rule:
- Identify your personal signs of burnout and establish a routine for self-care.
- Build a professional development plan that aligns with your career transition goals.
- Learn to say 'no' when additional responsibilities threaten to overwhelm your path to transition.
Rule 3: You Do Not Need to Be Perfect. Embrace What Makes You Unique. Be Interesting, Not Perfect.
Perfection often paralyzes, tempting us to over-prepare rather than taking valuable action. I fell into this trap when I aimed to conceal my unconventional teaching style during interviews. I felt compelled to fit into a certain "corporate" mold. It wasn't until I leaned into my unique mode of instruction, one marked by storytelling and humor, that I began to make lasting connections with audiences in my new field.
Rather than striving for a flawless adaptation, I started to showcase what made me different, the very attributes that set me apart in the marketplace. I was no longer a square peg attempting to fit into a round hole; I became a sought-after candidate due to my distinct approach to problem-solving and leadership.
How to apply this rule:
- Reframe your perspective on perceived weaknesses and acknowledge them as strengths.
- Develop a captivating personal brand that highlights your uniqueness.
- Prepare to present a narrative of your career that reflects your individuality in job interviews and networking events.
Rule 4: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time to Build the Life You Want
The search for the opportune moment can become a Sisyphean task. There is no 'perfect' time to make a career transition, and I learned this through personal experience. My leap into the corporate world was not prefaced by an ideal timeline or a sea of promising job offers. It was a strategic decision made amidst the mundane and the mayhem of daily life.
Once I grasped this truth, I stopped waiting for external validations or serendipitous events to guide my move. I began to build the life I wanted by articulating my goals and rallying my resources to achieve them. The transition was as smooth as it was empowering, for I was finally the architect of my professional destiny.
How to apply this rule:
- Set clear, achievable goals for your career transition and develop an action plan.
- Take calculated risks by leveraging opportunities as they arise.
- Learn to recognize when fear of the unknown is hindering progress, and stride forward regardless.
Your Turn To Reflect
It’s your turn to apply these rules to your life. Take a moment to reflect on your personal situation:
- Have I bet on my unique skills and experiences or do I still need to work on my confidence?
- How can I better prioritize self-care moving forward? Will I do this for myself or am I waiting for a future employer to "give me permission?"
- In what ways do I present myself professionally? How am I showcasing what makes me unique AND employable?
- What opportunities have I passed while waiting for the "perfect" moment?
