There’s no such thing as “just”: Self-talk and your career

photo credit: Marina Cast.

Recently, I was speaking with a group of professionals about their careers.  The group was diverse in all respects — industry, expertise, education and experience.  As we discussed our various aspirations, the only member of the group with a blue-collar job identified himself as “just” a tradesman.

His self-characterization caught my attention in the moment, but it was only later that I fully processed it.

Here’s the thing: none of us is “just” anything.  We’re not just a college student, just an admin assistant, just a stay-at-home mom, just a line manager.  We’re all professionals in our chosen trades, whatever they may be.  And all of these roles are valued and important to the organization, or they wouldn’t exist in the first place.

So, my career tip of the day: There is no such thing as “just.”  Don’t apologize for who you are or where you are in your organization.  You’re always in a position that can lead to the next big step.  Approach your job with professionalism, regardless of level, and success will follow.  Not to mention that in some roles, approaching the job as a professional will truly set you apart from your peers.

Related posts:

1. The job search accountability group
2. Avoid career myopia: Making the long-term play
3. The secret of success: Make your job search very part-time
4. Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
5. Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 3

Tagged as: Career, job change, job hunt, job search, motivation, networking