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Your 20s can feel like a confusing mix of excitement, fear, and pressure when it comes to building a career. It’s a time full of opportunities but a decision made can make or mar one's entire career life.
The good news is that most mistakes can be avoided when one is properly informed and guided. Hence, the need for this post.
Below are some common mistakes people make in their early 20s and the practical steps to avoid them.
1. Chasing Money Instead of Growth
So many youngsters' minds are fixed on the money rather than the skills. It’s always tempting to pick the job offer with the biggest paycheck, especially if you’re dealing with student loans or financial pressure. However, the greater gains lie in the skills gained not the little cash earned. Hurriedly accepting the offer or money making opportunities without considering the possibilities of career projection usually comes with delay in career growth and low productivity.
I picked a job as a soldier the year I completed my degree program. For more than 5 years of my service in the military, I couldn't tell if my career growth was on the reverse gear; yes, I got promoted but along the line tied down to military life instead of the rich academic and professional life I have always dreamt of. I had almost no opportunities for career advancement, I hoped to pursue my Postgraduate studies all these later amounted to building a castle in the air. I would weep silently when I saw opportunities passing.
To tackle this,
When evaluating opportunities, it is crucial to ask yourself:
- If the role(s) will help you build skills that are valuable in the future? I was not prudent to decide if the military job would give me the life I desired.
- Is there mentorship or professional development available?
- What exactly can I learn from the job
put the skills first instead of the money, always allow that phrase from Prof. Isah Pantami ring loud in your ears "skills rather than degrees". When you are done equipping yourself, you'll end up getting great job roles
2. Poor Networking Attitudes
Many young professionals think that doing great work is enough to get ahead. While hard work is essential, who you know often matters just as much as what you know. Ignoring networking early can close doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
Infact, connections may be placed ahead of the skills because it will land you great opportunities while you need the skills to keep yourself in the opportunities already secured.
To build positive and real connections, there is need you keep good relationships with your course mates, school mates, lecturers, your villagers, friends in politics, business folks and the abroad guys.
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards it’s about building mutually supportive relationships that can last throughout your career.
3. Staying Too Long in Your Comfort Zone
I once came across a quote that "the greatest enemy of success is comfort "
Comfort feels good, but it’s dangerous. Many people settle into roles that don’t challenge them, mistakenly thinking that staying put guarantees job security or success.
It is not a bad idea starting small but it is a greater achievement challenging yourself for greater position.
I was recruited into the military, though a non-commissioned officer (NCO) with my excellent degree certificate sleeping in the box. The pay may be enticing and will end up compelling many in my category to accept the cadre as what God had willed for them but the truth is that you can do more!
To escape this,
- Regularly assess whether you are still learning and expanding your skills.
- Seek out projects that push you beyond your current abilities.
- Be open to lateral moves, additional responsibilities, or even industry shifts if they offer growth opportunities.
Accept the pain, agree to discomfort yourself and do greater things. If it requires quitting your job, please do. But don't be rash and unguarded in your decisions.
4. Ignoring Financial Literacy
"Money hard to get and easy to spend"
The above is a title of a book we read during the elementary school days. The real value of wealth is not just in self-aggrandizement but in it's wise application.
You can make the whole million naira in a day but if you have poor financial habits, it will hunt and taunt you to adulthood. Read many books about financial planning, have record books, check yourself against excessive spending, make it a habit.
- Create a basic budget and stick to it.
- Build an emergency fund with at least 3-6 months' worth of expenses.
- Learn about saving, investing, and retirement accounts
- Avoid unnecessary debt, and if you have loans, make a plan for tackling them.
5. Neglecting Your Personal Brand
I once uploaded a Facebook video of a girl with big butts dancing just for fun but it received a backlash from my friends while many argued that my account was compromised.
I thought over it and asked why? Others do it and it seems funny and entertaining!
The truth is that it was obviously contrasting to the personality my fans knew of me; the decent fellow we have followed for years cannot do this!
In a digital world, how you present yourself online matters more than ever. A messy LinkedIn or Facebook profile, an inactive professional presence, or inappropriate social media posts can seriously hurt your career opportunities.
Do not flow with the world. Build your personal brands and make it exactly what you wish it should be.
- Maintain an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. A good photograph image as your display picture.
- Share articles, insights, or projects that showcase your interests and expertise. Do not just post fussy contents. Plan your uploads and let it be something Worthy
- Keep your social media clean what. you post publicly can and will be seen by potential employers or future networks; so that you may not end up blaming your village people
- Demonstrate professionalism and consistency both online and offline; prove what you are .
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