Top 5 tips to navigate your career
Navigating your career can often feel like a roller coaster. With over a decase of work history and plenty of life lessons, I learned about these tips the hard way. I have been taken advantage of, overworked and underpaid. I have also been able to successfully negotiate my pay by 23% and on the other end, was offered a severance for bringing up the pay gap between men and women of color. Trust me when I say, I can write a book about my work experiences.
To help you prepare for the unexpected, here are my top 5 tips to guide you:
1. Read the Contract Thoroughly
Before you complete your hiring package, ensure you have a contract to sign. If one is not provided, do not be afraid to ask for one. Take the contract home, you are not obligated to sign it at that very moment. You can ask all the questions you would like. If the person providing the contract is unable to answer questions about certain clauses, ask to speak to someone who can answer your questions. This is your first line of defense in understanding your rights and responsibilities. Avoid signing on the same day; give yourself time to digest the information and seek clarification if needed.
2. Document Every Incident
Sometimes, our memories are not reliable. Just as we might forget what we had for lunch a few days ago, we can also forget the details of workplace interactions. Documenting every incident, no matter how minor, can provide a clear record of events. Whether it’s a misunderstanding in the break room or a significant achievement, keeping a log can help you navigate through any future disputes or performance reviews. You do not necessarily have to go to HR to file an incident but take notes on your phone of the event. When you are given a new task or have hit a certain goal, make sure to keep track of everything to reference when it is time for evaluations.
3. Negotiate Your Pay
As I mentioned, I was able to negotiate my pay by 23%. Since I knew my evaluation was approaching, I created a deck to showcase what I had done for the company. Along with my achievements, I had researched the market rate and what someone with my years of experience was receiving.
I initially asked for 35% and settled for 23% and in lieu of the difference, I received more paid time off and was able to work from home one Friday per month. This sounds great, but in retrospect, I should have negotiated my pay from the very beginning.
Your starting salary sets the benchmark for your future earnings. Don’t shy away from negotiating your pay before your first day. If the initial offer meets your expectations, that’s amazing, but also learn the art of negotiation for future salary discussions. Understanding your worth and being able to articulate it is crucial for long-term financial growth.
4. Build a Community at Work
Fostering relationships at work can create a support system that’s invaluable for career progression. It can also provide a sense of belonging. This might be controversial, but do not be afraid to ask your colleague with the same position, what they are getting paid. Discussing pay with colleagues is not illegal and can provide insights into your industry’s compensation standards. It can also give you a clear idea as to what kind of company you are working for. I do not recommend asking someone with a higher position than you, as the pay gap may be grand depending on their role. Your rights under the California fair pay act allows you to discuss your wages.
5. Keep Your Resume Updated
Complacency can be a career’s downfall. No matter how content you are in your current role, always keep your resume updated. The job market is unpredictable, and new opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Being prepared means you can seize the opportunity when a better offer comes along without scrambling to update your professional profile. Just like I mentioned, to keep a running log of any good or bad incident, you should always be adding to your resume when you acquire new skills.
I believe everything happens for a reason. My career history has been eventful, to say the least, but I know I am prepared for anything. I will always stand up for what is right, no matter where I work. With these lessons and tips I have picked up along the years, I know I will always land on my feet.
Your career is a journey that requires attention, strategy, and sometimes a bit of courage. By following these tips, you can navigate through your professional life with confidence and purpose. Stay proactive, stay prepared and most importantly, stay true to your professional goals and values.
