10 important career lessons most people learn too late in life

Working can provide us with the motivation to strive for success in our lives. However, life shouldn’t consist of 'living for the weekends' or be centred on money. You should be making the most out of your career as well as living life to the fullest.

Here are 10 life lessons that can help you to make the most out of your life whilst working hard.

1. Learn to say no

When you are starting out in your career or if you have embarked on a new career challenge, it can be easy to accept too much extra work when attempting to impress your superiors. This is a mistake, be sure to only say yes to extra work that you are capable of doing and that you have the time to complete to a high standard. Taking on too much work causes stress levels to rise, and accuracy levels to fall.

2. Work in a job you enjoy

Finding a career that you truly enjoy can be difficult, as most of us will experience a job that we don’t like, or that isn’t suitable for us. However, you spend the majority of your life at work, so if you aren't happy in your role, this will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on your personal life. 

3. Don’t only work for money

Money is essential, however, it shouldn’t be the main driver to remain in a role. If you are staying in your role for money and nothing else, it may be time to consider a different opportunity. Although it is important, money isn't everything. Find a job that you enjoy, and you may feel happier and healthier as a result. 

4. Never stop learning

You will always encounter people who have more experience than you throughout your career, but this shouldn’t worry you. Learning from people with more experience will help you to grow personally and professionally. Adopting a learning attitude throughout the entirety of your life will help you to become a more rounded, educated, and fulfilled individual. 

5. Be productive outside of work

When you feel down or tired because of work, it can be hard to motivate yourself outside of working hours. Motivation can be as simple as attending a gym class, or meeting with a friend for coffee after work. Yearning for the end of the working day isn’t healthy, you should try to make the most of every single day. 

6. Maintain a healthy work-life balance

Work can be stressful, and there may be times when you feel as though you need to stay late in order to get a task done, or to meet a deadline. Don’t let life pass you by. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can play a huge part in your happiness. You need time to switch off from work, so make sure you allow yourself to do it. 

7. Be a team player

Being successful at work comes from working and developing as a team. Yes, you may have responsibilities of your own, but group success is what drives businesses forward. Big projects need more than one perspective to succeed, so if you regularly working alone, you may discover that you aren’t very successful in the long-run. 

8. Look after yourself

Looking after your health should be your number one priority. If you begin to become so invested in work that you end up feeling anxious, stressed, or physically ill, then you know that it is time for a change. Sacrificing your health for your career isn’t a price that anyone should be willing to pay. 

9. Disconnect from technology

It is easy to be constantly attached to the technology at our fingertips. But, being stuck to your phone, tablet, or laptop, can disconnect you from reality. Force yourself away from your devices during the day, and you’ll find that you will begin to appreciate the world around you. 

10. Live life to the fullest

During your career, it can be easy to feel like you shouldn’t take time off and that work should be your main focus. Work is important and a fundamental part of the way we live, but there are other things to live for. Make sure you use up your holiday allowances, make time for your family and friends, and get out of the house and office whenever you can. If you don’t, we are  sure you’ll come to regret this in the future.

Here at Michael Page, we can help you to develop your career through our bank of career advice articles. Our articles can help you to further develop your skills and professional relationships, as well as assist you in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

If you are interested in speaking to one of our specialist recruitment consultants, contact your local Michael Page office today.