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Are you starting to panic a little about the future?
If so, be careful how you make any upcoming decisions about your career. Especially if you’ve lost your job due to the current economic situation.
You can end up making several career mistakes by letting fear or panic drive your decisions.
5 common career mistakes made in a panic
There are five common career mistakes I see people make when they find themselves in a bad job market and panic. These mistakes are:
1. Taking the very first job you’re offered
Allow yourself as much time as you financially can to find a job that’s the right fit. This prevents you from having to go through yet another job search six to twelve months later.
Learn more in my post, “What You Need to Know About Job Loss”:
2. Not negotiating a higher salary or better benefits
Even in a tight job market, most employers expect you to negotiate before accepting the first offer. If you can’t negotiate salary, there are some other things you can negotiate, like better benefits or being able to work from home a few days a month. Either way, don’t make the mistake of leaving money on the table.
Learn more in my post, “How to Make Smart Investments in Your Life and Career”:
3. Going back to school when you can’t find a job
I remember back during the recession of 2008, a lot of people who couldn’t find jobs went back to school to get their MBA. They thought this would make them more marketable once companies started hiring again. However, it doesn’t always make sense to get deeper into debt. Especially if you don’t know yet if an advanced degree will help you.
Learn more in my post, “How to Know If You Should Go Back to School”:
4. Signing on to an MLM
Speaking of avoiding debt, don’t be tempted by empty promises of earning big money fast by signing up with a multi-level marketing company. This is probably the BIGGEST career mistake you can make. Don’t be swayed when someone you haven’t heard from in forever, all of a sudden wants to get together to discuss “a wonderful opportunity“. It will cost you money both upfront and in the long run.
Learn more in my post, “You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for Your Paycheck! How to Beware of MLMs”
You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for Your Paycheck! How to Beware of MLMs
5. Not taking advantage of career coaching and career resources.
Perhaps your hard-earned money would be better spent on career coaching to help you figure out your next step. paNASH was recently voted as one of the top eight coaching services in Nashville for the fourth straight year in a row.
But if you don’t have the money for one-on-one career coaching, there are several free and affordable resources here on the paNASH blog and in the paNASH video library.
Learn more in my post, “Get Unstuck! How to Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Career Coach”…
Get Unstuck! How to Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Career Coach
…and my post, “How to Know When to Get Career Help”:
More resources
While the job market is uncertain right now, three paNASH clients have been hired for new jobs in just the past few weeks. One of whom who had multiple offers to choose from.
Now is not the time to panic or lose hope. It’s time to do what’s within your control, which includes making good decisions based on logic, not fear.
Here are some additional posts to help you:
- What Are the Biggest Career Mistakes You Should Avoid?
- How to Avoid Common Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Career
- Getting Laid Off? The #1 Thing to Ask for When You Leave
- 3 Ways to Gain Control Over Your Career in a Recession
