Every Career Success Journey Is Unique. Find Your Own Path!

Every Career Success journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Often, we compare ourselves to others who seem more successful than we are. And we do so despite how much farther along in their career they might be. We feel as though we're not moving forward quickly enough. We miss the fact that we may have different goals than they do.

It’s a noble goal to want a successful career. Obsessing over your Career Success journey can stop you from getting where you want to go. And putting work ahead of personal interests and relationships can lead to burnout.

Whether you want to change careers, or move up in your current job, the trick is finding a healthy balance. Enjoy the journey without comparing yourself to others.

What is Career Success?

Uvaro’s definition of Career Success is simple. Career Success means experiencing financial health and work you enjoy, while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. This definition is universal but the path to get there looks different for everyone.

People are dealing with different challenges and opportunities. That's why no 2 journeys look alike. Even when facing the same hurdles each journey is unique. This is in part due to differences in priority and circumstance.

Note, too, that you might have one idea in mind when you first start. That can shift as time goes on. The path to achieving your goals could look different from what you had envisioned. Continue moving toward whatever goals are important to you. And stay true to who you are in the process.

If you’re feeling stuck” in your Career Success journey, it’s easy to feel defeated. Especially while scrolling LinkedIn and seeing your peers achieve impressive milestones. But, the following will help you avoid comparing yourself to others.

Don’t let others define your success

It's impossible to achieve your career goals if you feel as though you're not doing enough. This feeling stems from comparison. So knock it off! You're doing great.

Remember there will always be external forces that impact your Career Success journey. Comparing yourself to others isn’t productive or helpful. You don't know what luck or misfortune lead them to where they are. Reframe these thoughts. Use other people’s career journeys as motivation to move forward in your own career. Other people's successes can be the inspiration for new goals you may want to reach.

Let go of the idea that your path should look exactly like someone else’s. Turn your focus toward finding your own way!

To assist your efforts, consider who and what makes you feel most confident. Surround yourself with those people and situations. What lights your fire?

• If you love technology, take a class in coding or web design.
• If you have an interest in working with animals, volunteer at an animal shelter or a veterinary clinic.
• Or if you're interested in sales, look for ways to level up your sales skills by taking a Workshop.
• Lastly, if there are aspects of your current job that you love, find ways to do more of those tasks.

Your Career Success journey is a marathon, not a sprint

In life, the journey is what counts, not the destination. Instead of mirroring peers’ journeys, think about how your work fits into your goals.

• What do I want my career to look like in 5, 10, or 20 years?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses? How can I use them to my advantage in this job?
• What new skills will help me get where I want to go? Will my current job help me develop those skills, or do I need to make a change?
• Who are some individuals I admire in my extended network?
• How would I like to design my day? What does that look like from morning to night?
• Are there any activities that bring me the most joy?
• What are my passions and interests outside of work? How can they align with what I want to do in my career?
• Could I take on additional responsibilities at work or make connections that could lead somewhere else down the road?

As Atlantic writer Arthur C. Brooks says, Job satisfaction comes from people, values, and a sense of accomplishment.” Career Success is not all about money or even about the work itself. Carve out a path that allows for meaningful work experiences and connections.

Take meaningful action

Start with community

Create your support system. Join a community of people who are in the same boat as you. Expose yourself to points of view that you may not have considered otherwise. New perspectives will help you grow as you all work to achieve your goals alongside each other. From LinkedIn to industry-specific forums, there are plenty of ways to grow your network.

Build your skillset

Look for opportunities to learn new skills and build your knowledge. It doesn't have to break the bank or put you in debt. Applying to college is daunting and the price point is unattainable for most. Luckily, many industries are forgoing the need for a degree. Taking Workshops, online Courses, or finding a Career Coach are all great alternatives! Look to your community to see what resources you have at your disposal.

Prioritize yourself

Don’t accept half-measures. Find your why. What motivates you and drives you forward? Apply for roles that feed you in other ways than a paycheck. Maybe you align with the mission of an organization. Maybe you get to mentor a great team, or your role allows for a healthy work-life balance. Pick what you need to make you happy!

Final Thoughts For Your Career Success Journey

Many times, people aren't clear on their goals. This is why it’s so tempting to compare yourself to others. The good news is that there are resources out there that can provide you with clarity and confidence.

Keep Uvaro in your back pocket as a source of inspiration and knowledge at every step in the process. Connect with an expert Career Coach or dive into new skills by taking a Workshop. Download our Career Success Catalog to see how we can help you along your Career Success journey.