The No. 1 Reason Job Seekers Make Bad Career Decisions

The No. 1 Reason Job Seekers Make Bad Career Decisions We spend about a third of our days at our jobs, and yet roughly 70 percent ofus are unhappywith our careers.While a lack of praise from leadership can explain this unhappiness, the jobs fit may be a problem, too. Its not necessarily that an employeeisnt smart enough to do the job theyve chosen even the smartest people make poor career decisions. Rather, poor career choices often happen because a person doesnt have all theinformation they need to make a decision that will positively impact their long-term career goals.In fact, a lack of information is the No. 1 reason why job binnenseekers make bad career decisions.I often see job seekers say yes to any and all job opportunities given to them by recruiters without thinking about the long-term consequences of taking oneach job. It is important that, instead of jumping at every offer, professionals take time to scope out the whole situation and reall y think through the impacts of their decisions.Here are a few steps you can take to make learning a part of your decision-making strategy for long-term career successRecognize Learning as the SolutionYou can certainly learn how to make the right move at the right time, so its important to recognizelearning itself as a job search solution and career success principle. Learning gives you the opportunity to research and gather the information you need to make better decisions.Learning is not just limited to what you read in books you can learn from experiences, podcasts, career consultants, coaches, mentors, and peers.Love the Learning ProcessLearning should be a lifelong pursuit, so its vital that you learn to love the process. Many top industry leaders and influencerseven go so far as setting aside five hours for dedicated learning every week.By learning to love the learning process, you can establish learning as a habit. As a result, youll be spending time every week growing your ca reer and speeding up your job search.Remain in Student ModeBeing in student mode means being in a constant state of learning. When you are in the student mode, youre always looking to gain insight. This will help you more easily find the information you need to reinvent yourself when the climate for your industry changes, or you require new skills to excel in your career path.Celebrate Each MilestoneJust as it is important to love the process of learning, it is also important to celebrate each milestone that you reach. Acquiring a new skill doesnt come to anyone easily. Treat yourself to something nice when you master a new ability or otherwise accomplish your goals.Making a smart career move requires more than knowing how to do the job for which youre applying it also means understanding your whole career so that you dont deviate from the plan.Being in thestudent mode on a consistent basis allows you to stay ahead of the curve and beat your competition whenever necessary. Education and training are the pathways to job search and career success, so take time to learn everything you need to in order to have the career you desire. Proactively pursue connections with those who can teach you the skills you require. That is how you will become a well-rounded professional who can handle themselfat work.By making lifelong learning a cornerstone ofyour career plan, you will set yourself up to make smarter short- and longterm career decisions.Nader Mowlaeeis an engineering career coach and recruiter who is motivated by building confidence in engineers.