There’s an illusion we all grow up believing: that success is a meritocracy, neatly charted out by hard work, good grades, and the occasional stroke of luck.
But careers, like life itself, are more nuanced, more unpredictable, and more demanding of our ability to adapt, recalibrate, and redefine what success even means.
As I write this, I’m thinking of my students at Lambton College, many of whom are in their final semester before stepping into the professional world. This article is inspired by the advice I’ve been sharing with them – an amazing group of young individuals eager to design, plan, and execute their careers with intentionality. There’s no science to this; it’s simply a reflection of my own experiences, observations, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
These lessons don’t show up in textbooks. They don’t fit neatly into syllabi. Yet they often hold the key to not just advancing your career but transforming how you approach it.
So here comes.
It’s not always about merit. The best people don’t always get the best jobs. Who you know often matters as much as what you know. Relationships are a form of capital – invest in them wisely. But don’t confuse networking with manipulation; it’s about building authentic connections that create mutual value.
Sometimes it’s just a job. Not every role has to align with your purpose or be a stepping stone to greatness. Some jobs are just about paying the bills or learning what you don’t want to do. And that’s okay. Knowing when to embrace pragmatism instead of chasing perfection can free you from unnecessary self-judgment.
Feedback is a gift. It may not always feel like one, especially when it’s not sugar-coated, but the most valuable feedback often comes wrapped in discomfort. Instead of taking it personally, see it as a mirror showing you what you might not see in yourself. Growth begins where defensiveness ends.
You’ll outgrow jobs. Just as we outgrow old clothes, we outgrow roles. A job that felt like a dream at 25 might feel like a cage at 35. When you’ve learned what you needed or your values evolve, give yourself permission to move on. Staying out of obligation serves neither you nor the organization.
Your degree isn’t enough. Education gets you through the door, but the pace of change demands constant evolution. Industries shift, technologies emerge, and yesterday’s expertise becomes today’s trivia. Staying relevant means updating your skills, learning voraciously, and remaining curious.
Perfection is a myth. Striving for it is not only futile but counterproductive. Perfection paralyzes; progress propels. Focus on doing your best with what you have today, knowing that refinement comes through iteration, not hesitation.
Soft skills are hard currency. Empathy, resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively are no longer “nice to have” – they are game-changers. These are the skills that help you navigate relationships, diffuse conflict, and inspire trust. In a world increasingly dominated by automation, humanity is your greatest competitive edge.
You get what you negotiate. Your work won’t always speak for itself, and waiting for recognition often leads to frustration. Advocate for your worth, not arrogantly but assertively. Whether it’s a raise, a new project, or better work-life balance, you must claim the things you deserve – they’re rarely handed to you.
Choose your manager wisely. No single factor impacts your career trajectory – or your mental health – more than your boss. A great manager will mentor, challenge, and support you. A bad one can drain your confidence and motivation. If you’re weighing opportunities, consider not just the role but who you’ll be working for.
Prioritize your well-being. Hustle culture may glorify the grind, but burnout benefits no one. Success achieved at the expense of your health is hollow. Protect your boundaries, take care of your body and mind, and remember: no job is worth losing yourself over.
Make invisible visible. Some of the most valuable contributions you can make are those that illuminate what others overlook. Whether it’s identifying an untapped opportunity, articulating a hidden challenge, or unveiling a solution no one else considered, this ability to see what’s not immediately obvious is a superpower.
Start with an outcome in mind. Careers, like strategies, thrive on clarity of purpose. What do you want to achieve, not just in this role but in the broader narrative of your life? Every decision – whether to stay, leave, pivot, or persevere – should serve a clear outcome. Without that clarity, you risk letting the currents of circumstance carry you to places you never intended.
Here are the 12 lessons simply stated:
- It’s not always about merit; connections matter.
- Sometimes it’s just a job, and that’s okay.
- Feedback is a gift, even when it’s hard to hear.
- You’ll outgrow jobs; it’s normal to move on.
- Your degree isn’t enough; keep updating your skills.
- Perfection is a myth; progress is what matters.
- Soft skills are your superpower; know what they are.
- You get what you negotiate; advocate for yourself.
- Choose your manager wisely; your time and energy are precious.
- Prioritize your well-being over any job; nothing matters more.
- Make the invisible visible; find what others overlook.
- Start with an outcome in mind; clarity drives decisions.
Each of these lessons carries an implicit truth: that careers are not merely climbed like ladders but navigated like journeys.
The moments of growth often come from discomfort; the breakthroughs emerge from reevaluating assumptions. What we often don’t teach in school is that success isn’t about following a predefined path but about forging our own.
The real test isn’t whether you achieve a certain title or salary – it’s whether you can look back and say, “I made this mine.”