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Original poster

what's the best thing you did for your career?

98 replies

user463876887 · 27/12/2021 19:00

for instance,

  • learn a new skill
  • get better at marketing yourself (professional linkedin profile)
  • be a better networker
.. .. etc.

For me, I'm going to focus on the latter two for 2022.

OP posts:
Diditopknot · 27/12/2021 19:02

Got a brand new job.
Different area of expertise.
Start in the spring, can’t wait!

redtshirt50 · 27/12/2021 19:05

Started working for myself.

Has taken lots of hard work but I'm finally getting there and am starting to reap some of the benefits.

howley1 · 27/12/2021 19:07

moved to London.
moved company every 2 years.
Took every training opportunity available with each company.

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Serenschintte · 27/12/2021 19:11

Moved abroad
Took more qualifications

Player20868 · 27/12/2021 19:13

Dropped a few grades. I can keep working at my current level for a long time and still have something approaching a life, plus have enough energy to put into my burgeoning non ratrace career.

JohnSmithDrive · 27/12/2021 19:24

I think it was doing favours. I've always been happy to help anyone and probably there have been times people have taken advantage, but overall it's made for a happy working life and having a bank of return favours "owed" is like a super power.

I think people, particularly women, are sometimes over concerned about not been walked over.

FWIW I worked in a very male dominated , testosterone fueled industry for 25 years then a career change and now nearing retirement.

EnolaAlone · 27/12/2021 19:26

Got a mentor. Since having a mentor this year I've been promoted twice. It's helped me be more focused and self confident, as well as helping with how to phrase things better and present myself.

Dozer · 27/12/2021 19:27

Continued working when DC were small rather than SAH.

JohnSmithDrive · 27/12/2021 19:29

@Dozer

Continued working when DC were small rather than SAH.
Oh yes, definitely that too. I did go to 2 days PW, the first at my grade in the company to do it, but I definitely wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't stayed in work.
KateyKontent · 27/12/2021 19:30

Got promoted before I had children.

Justbetweenus · 27/12/2021 19:32
  1. Kept working after having children
  2. Learned to blow my own trumpet a bit. I spent a lot of years diligently doing a great job and trusting it would be noticed. Eventually noticed people round me talking about their own achievements, and despite it feeling excruciating at first … game changer.
thatsnotabadger · 27/12/2021 19:34

Pretended to be confident, talked the talk.

ISeeTheLight · 27/12/2021 19:37

Moved to London and was very clear as to what I wanted in terms of career path, and sticking to it (that included moving jobs every 1-2 years). And work full time even after I had DD; also only took 6 months mat leave.

BoysRule · 27/12/2021 19:38

I applied for a job that I didn't really have the required experience for but really wanted to do. I had a great rapport with the boss and they saw potential.

The job was advertised a few months before and I didn't apply, they didn't appoint as they didn't like anyone. I didn't apply as I didn't think I'd get it.

When it was re-advertised I applied as I was desperate. Best 'fuck it' moment career wise.

Animood · 27/12/2021 19:43

Had absolutely no loyalty to any particular firm. If they didn't promote me when I was ready for the promotion I moved firm for a better title/ better work/ better salary. Absolutely mercenary but in the last ten years my salary has quadrupled.

ponypinkie · 27/12/2021 19:45

Kept moving jobs - every 3 years or so. In my line of work it enabled me to diversify my skills, build up a big network of contacts and build a good cv. I also chose really hardcore jobs that were stretching. Now I'm settled and senior.

SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 27/12/2021 19:46

Quit my job with a boss who didn’t believe in me and go travelling.

Teenagetrouble · 27/12/2021 19:49

Taking jobs slightly above what I was probably capable of and growing into the role. Constantly learning new skills and also being willing to go outside my comfort zone (that’s where the most growth has happened, despite it being uncomfortable and scary). I now have a unique skill set and can more or less write my own salary

ChristmasPlugholes · 27/12/2021 19:49

Realised that work isn’t personal so to ignore personality disputes.

Keep working when dc young, even part time, flexible, work from home, anything to keep in my job. It’s paid off.

Pay £££ into my pension. It’s allowed me to roll with the punches and just think ‘whatever’, long term this suits me.

Also always go for high basic and no bonus and / or assume no bonus. Bonuses are a TRAP

Doesntfeellikexmas · 27/12/2021 19:50

Kept applying for jobs I didn't rely know how to do, but felt I could apply my skills to and do it in a different way.

Teenagetrouble · 27/12/2021 19:50

Have also quadrupled my salary over 10 years as per the previous poster

bestdhever · 27/12/2021 19:51

Retrained 🙌

StartingGrid · 27/12/2021 19:52

Stoppd waiting for someone else to advocate for my worth, and campaigned for myself instead!

Daisy829 · 27/12/2021 19:54

Got made redundant & set up my own business in a totally new field. Absolutely love it.

EwwSprouts · 27/12/2021 19:56

Got a masters degree. Not so much for the knowledge but a real confidence booster.