Life's Best Advice

From David Maister’s informative blog, Perspective on Careers …

1. The cold, hard, truth is that you’ve got to look after yourself.
2. You can’t assume that anyone is really looking out for your best interests (in spite of what they may say.)
3. There may be a human resources department in your firm, managers, coaches and a mentoring system. But don’t get fooled. Your career is up to you and you alone.
4. No one will tell you what experience you should be obtaining, let alone help you get it.
5. If you want a specific experience, ask for it.
6. Better yet, just go grab it.
7. Do not expect that you will be promoted because you deserve it – it is unlikely that anyone is really keeping track.
8. If you want to be promoted, ask to be promoted.
9. Generally, things do not come to those who do not ask for them.
10. None of this means you should be rude, disrespectful to others, or fail to be a team player. It just means don’t be naïve.
11. In spite of what they may say, it’s up to you. You’re on your own, kid.
12. Manage your own career. No one else will.