Five Pieces of Advice After 20-Plus Years in a Career

Somehow I'm more than twenty years into my career. I'm still learning, still wondering, still wandering at times, but I think I've reached the point where I can offer someone a word or two.

So today, as someone walking just a little ahead, here are five things I'd like to say to those coming up behind me.

1. A career is a curve, not a straight line.

Few careers go according to plan. An unexpected opportunity or a chance decision can change the direction of a life. The moment you wonder "is this the right path?" is actually the normal one.

2. When there's no clear answer, the people who just try get ahead.

Doing matters more than perfect preparation. While others hesitate, small actions add up to a big difference. The people who learn by running into things on the ground end up stronger.

3. More important than promotion is who you want to become.

If you rise in rank but aren't satisfied with yourself, that may be a slide rather than a climb. How you want to work stays with you longer than what you achieve.

4. Don't let other people's pace rush you.

Some go fast, and some go slowly. What matters in the end is building a sustainable career. The real thing is a long game without burnout. A career is a marathon. Don't forget that.

5. A career is part of how you live.

Work isn't all of life, but it is an important expression of who you are. That's why your attitude toward work is also your attitude toward life.

Where are you right now? Is there a line here that speaks to you most?