When you’re young and just starting on your career path, there are mistakes made and triumphs celebrated. But what if you could avoid a few of the bumps along the road altogether?
Writer Karen Vitale offers keen insight on what she would tell her 20-year-old self if she could turn back the hands of time. She writes, “If only career tracks came with fast-forward and rewind buttons. (Or a blue police call box, for those who like to time travel in style.) Who better to guide your career than your future self?”
Here are a few key things Vitale would tell her younger self that you can learn from:
Beware of gossips, liars and bullies.
On a bad day, some workplaces can seem no different than a glorified high school. And even in the best-managed companies, it pays to keep in mind that no one’s got your back like you do.
Learn how to navigate these tricky waters early on to get a better sense of who you are and what you stand for. Peer pressure is alive and well in the workplace. And if it’s your boss pressuring you to adopt a shady strategy, “just say no†requires a bit more finesse.
A bar can be a great place for team bonding or networking—but know your limits.
If Mad Men has taught us anything, it’s that witty repartee comes so much easier with a drink in hand. But it can be a short, stumbling walk from social drinking to sloppy behavior for some. Know what’s reasonable for you