Your early career years are pivotal in shaping your future. To thrive and meet your professional goals, it's essential to leverage every opportunity, whether starting fresh or advancing in your role.

In this article, we'll discuss some things you can do to do well during your 20s.

7 career moves you need to make in your 20s

Here are seven key career moves you should consider making in your 20s to set yourself up for long-term success:

1. Choose a career aligned with your values and goals 🌟

• Finding a career that resonates with your values is essential for work-life fulfillment.
• Setting clear objectives and creating a detailed plan is crucial for navigating your career path toward your goals.
• Understand that the road to your dream job may have twists and turns, but each opportunity is a stepping stone moving you closer to your desired destination.

2. Always be learning📚

• Adopting a lifelong learning mindset is crucial for professional growth.
• Upskilling enhances your capabilities in your current position and opens doors to new opportunities.
• Seek out mentors or experts in your field for guidance.
• Mentors can offer fresh perspectives, challenge your thinking, and help you explore new interests within your industry.

3. Be harder to replace 🔐

• Take on new projects, volunteer for extra assignments, or offer solutions to workplace problems.
• Being punctual, accountable, and courteous are important qualities that make you stand out.
• Show a level of professionalism and work ethic that employers highly value.
• Go above and beyond your job description to make yourself invaluable to your employer.

4. Emphasize work-life balance ⚖️

• Learn to set boundaries and prioritize self-care activities like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
• Remember, moving on is okay if you don't feel valued or comfortable at work.
• Your emotional and mental well-being should always come first.

5. Network consistently and actively 🤝

• Building and nurturing relationships with professionals in your field can open doors to new opportunities, ideas, and collaborations.
• Join professional associations, attend networking events or conferences, and reach out to people on LinkedIn.
• Remember that networking is a two-way street. Offer your skills or expertise to others whenever you can.

6. Always-be-applying (ABA) 🔄

• Always be on the lookout for new opportunities.
• Keep your resume and portfolio updated, and don't hesitate to apply for jobs that interest you.
• Make sure that you keep yourself updated with the latest trends in your industry.
• Continuously build your skills and stay relevant to increase your chances of being hired.

7. Negotiate your salary effectively 💰

• Research the market rate for similar positions to prepare for your salary negotiation.
• Be ready to articulate why you deserve the salary you’re aiming for.
• Seek advice from other professionals in your industry for negotiation tips.
• Highlight your skills, achievements, and overall value to the company confidently.
• Don't hesitate to negotiate for non-monetary benefits, such as additional vacation time or opportunities for professional development.

8. Exit gracefully 🚪

• Leaving gracefully and professionally is crucial.
• Always give your employer proper notice.
• Express gratitude for the opportunities provided.
• Offer to assist with the transition.
• Maintaining positive relationships can lead to future opportunities or references.

How can you build better workplace relationships?👩💻

We spend the majority of our lives at work, so it's important to know how to create positive relationships not only to keep our work experience enjoyable but also for our overall well-being.

1. Maintain professionalism 👔

Be friendly but set boundaries. Always show respect and courtesy to your colleagues whenever possible. Avoid gossip or negative talk about others and focus on building positive connections.

When at work-related events, remember you're still in a professional setting; act accordingly.

2. Set boundaries🚫

Politely decline tasks outside your role; offer help when possible. Learn to say no when necessary, and don't take on more than you can handle.

When declining a task, keep your explanation brief and clear. You can also suggest alternatives like, "I could handle this, but it might push back XYZ. Would that work for you?"

3. Communicate effectively and clearly🗣️

Speak confidently, without being aggressive. When you feel frustrated or upset with someone, take a step back and address the issue calmly and professionally.

Be mindful of non-verbal cues as well, such as maintaining eye contact and using open body language. These can convey positive messages and help build trust.

Learn also to understand and adapt to your co-workers' communication styles.

4. Learn to manage down and manage up ⚖️

a. Manage down (Leading subordinates) 📉

Know your team's strengths and weaknesses. Delegate tasks accordingly, and offer constructive feedback or support when needed.

Recognize their achievements and show appreciation for their hard work; this will foster a positive working relationship and boost morale.

b. Manage up (Leading superiors) 📈

Understanding your boss's communication style, priorities, and expectations can help you build a strong working relationship.

Be proactive in communicating your progress and seeking feedback. This shows initiative and a desire to improve, which employers value.

How do you navigate difficult work situations? 💪

Workplace challenges can often seem overwhelming. This guide provides actionable strategies to handle common difficult work scenarios with confidence and professionalism.

Challenge 1: Overcapacity at work 📊

‍Solutions:

Establish firm work boundaries. Then, Prioritize tasks and delegate or automate when possible.

Reach out for help if needed, and communicate clearly with your team about workload limits.

Challenge 2: Lack of recognition for work achievements 🏆

‍Solutions:

Be proactive in seeking feedback and recognition. Ask your clients or third-party vendors to share feedback with your manager.

Keep track of your achievements and use them as inspiration to do better. And don't forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small!

Challenge 3: Unpleasant work culture ⚡

‍Solutions:

Focus on what you can control, like your attitude and approach to work. Surround yourself with positive people and build a support system.

If the culture is too toxic or unhealthy, it may be time to consider finding a new job. Make sure your job aligns with your values, identity, and goals.

In today's ever-evolving world, your career decisions directly affect your financial well-being. 💸 

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