Things That Can Destroy Your Career

Finding the perfect job can be difficult, and when you finally land the position you’ve dreamed of, you will need to keep in mind, and avoid, things that can destroy your career. While there are many habits that can help one exceed in the workplace, there are others that can be detrimental to your job, putting you at risk of being fired. It is important to always avoid doing things that can destroy your career.

Playing the Boss' Pet

It may seem counterintuitive to think that playing the favorite employee could cost you a job, but many times this is the case. More often than not, owners and managers would prefer an employee that is going to keep their head down and do the job they were paid to do, rather than a worker who is continually sticking their noses into other employees' position in hopes of being noticed by the boss. In addition to causing a strained relationship with the boss, playing the boss' pet often brings resentment from other employees, which could lead to decreased morale in the workplace. It is this impact on corporate culture that causes playing favorites with the boss to be one of the things that can destroy your career.

Having an Ego

Confidence is an important part of excelling in any career, but keeping yourself grounded could help save your job. If you have worked with someone who has an inflated ego, you know the resentment it can cause among other employees and management. Therefore, it is imperative to realize that the success might not last forever, and rather than bragging about it, you should focus on maintaining the streak of success you are having.

Gossiping

Playing politics at work is something that can quickly get you ostracized by both your fellow employees and your boss. Sure, everyone enjoys a bit of gossip now and then, but while at work, minding your own business could help keep you employed. Everyone at some point in their life has known a gossiper, or a person who loves to indulge in spreading the latest rumors. While many times this may seem like casual conversation among colleagues, it could be taken the wrong way, and lead to discontent among workers. If you overhear coworkers gossiping, it is better to stay out of it, because it could be one of the things that can destroy your career.

Refusing to Embrace Change

In business, the ability to adapt and change can give one the edge over competition, and in the workplace these fundamentals hold true. Nothing remains the same forever, and changes in staff, technologies, and equipment can all affect one’s career. Staffing changes can be the most difficult to handle, but it is important to remember that there could be good reason for the change, and that it could take time for the positive aspects to become apparent. In regards to technology, embracing change will help ensure you are up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry and it could lead to increased efficiency.

Failing to Deliver

Going above and beyond your normal duties at work is a sure way to move up the corporate ladder. After all, bosses love an employee who is driven to succeed. However, taking on added responsibility can be risky, especially if you fail to deliver on what you promised. In a business, meeting deadlines is critical, and by volunteering to take on added work or an additional project, you might be putting yourself in a situation that could have consequences down the line. While management will be thrilled that you are willing to accept a heavier workload, if you cannot fulfill your promises, it could quickly backfire. When you make promises in the workplace, be sure that you can come through, or else it could be one of the things that can destroy your career.

Complacency

If you have ever worked a job for a long time, then you know it can be easy to become complacent. After all, you have been an employee for a long time, and your job is not going anywhere, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While being a long-time employee may earn you a little leeway from your boss, it is still imperative that you continue to look for ways to improve your performance, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in your industry. Falling behind on new technologies that are present in your field of work is a sure way to open the door for new employees.

Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve

At times, emotions can get the best of all of us. After all, the workplace can be stressful, and it is not surprising that emotions can sometimes run high. However, it is important that you do not let your emotions take over, but instead remain calm and clearheaded. While employers might want a worker who has emotional ties to their job, showing too much emotion, such as crying, yelling, or becoming visibly affected, can have a negative effect on your career. Being able to control your emotions and deal with them in a positive manner will show your employers that you can handle pressure and remain calm. In addition, showing too much emotion can have an effect on coworkers' attitudes as well, which could create more problems.