Young adults just starting in the workforce face a unique set of challenges. Since you are just getting started, you don’t have as much experience under your belt, and you will need to put in the work and get yourself noticed to advance. Understanding some of the most common challenges and how to deal with them can help you become a better professional.
Put Socializing on the Back Burner
As a young adult, you may look forward to spending time with your friends, but it is important to give your career all you have for the first few years. Put in the overtime, network, volunteer for every project you can, and work weekends or evenings if needed. If you don’t have a degree, put in the time to get one now. Professionals with relevant degrees are more likely to be considered for promotions and raise. When you are just getting started in the workforce, you may not have a high enough salary to pay for school.
One way to make your degree more affordable is by finding scholarships you are eligible for. You can find and apply for scholarships for college students online. The time you put into career-building activities now will put you ahead of others. When you are young, it is the best time to do whatever you need to succeed. When you start a family and get older, it is much harder to build your career. When you are ready to retire early, you will be thankful for the hard work you put in now.
Go to the Office if it’s an Option
Many young adults are looking to work completely remotely, and there are plenty of reasons for that. Working remotely gives you more time to relax and enjoy time with friends, and you don’t need to worry about commute time. However, if you have the option, consider going into the office every day that you can. This allows you to get to know fellow team members who may act as friends, advocates, and mentors. Being in person also puts you closer to managers, and when they see you every day, they are more likely to give you assignments that can help you prove yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Up for Yourself
You don’t have to be a high-level manager to be able to speak up for yourself. You can still advocate for yourself, even if you haven’t been working for long. If you want to be successful in your career, you will need to be comfortable speaking with more senior-level people. Before you speak up, understand how things stand at your company. You want to make sure you are speaking up to the right people. If someone does not care about your situation, speaking to them about an issue won’t do you any good.
Switch Jobs at the Right Time
People used to stay at the same job for many years. In fact, switching jobs after a few years would often lead to that person being labeled a job hopper. But things are different today. If you feel you have already learned and grown as much as possible, it may be time to move to a new position, where you can continue to grow your skillset. Before leaving your current position, speak with a manager about potential opportunities for advancement and growth.
However, if you are not satisfied, you can start looking for something else. A new job should offer more opportunities for career development. You should also receive a higher paycheck and a better title. Of course, this does not mean you need to switch jobs every time you don’t like something. Switching too often may give hiring managers doubts about your ability to keep a job.
