Navigating Your Online Career: Avoid These Common Pitfalls
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Common Traps
In the past year, I've noticed many creators jump into the online world with dreams of success, only to abandon their efforts later. This trend has revealed consistent patterns among them, which I can relate to personally. It's easy to get sidetracked and waste energy on unimportant matters, leading you away from your true path.
If any of the scenarios below resonate with you, don’t worry. I’ll guide you on how to redirect your efforts effectively.
Section 1.1: Expecting Immediate Financial Rewards
A LinkedIn creator with over 46,000 followers once reached out to me, expressing interest in becoming a teacher for my course. However, he had no experience with my content or platform and primarily posted casual content on Twitter and LinkedIn. His expectation of immediate payment was misplaced.
Instead of seeking money upfront, focus on demonstrating your value first. Build genuine relationships without expecting anything in return; the knowledge you gain from these interactions is invaluable. If you truly need income, prioritize delivering value, and then request compensation.
Section 1.2: Quitting Too Early
For six years, I wrote online without seeing any income. I started with a personal blog, ventured into Quora, and utilized Instagram. My first tangible reward was a bag of sweet potato chips from a health brand for a social media post. It wasn’t until two years ago that I realized earning was possible, largely due to the skills I'd honed over time.
Building a sustainable online career often requires persistent effort over years. If you're passionate about your craft, it should feel less like work and more like play.
What can you do instead? Consider maintaining a side hustle without fully committing to an online career right away. Depending solely on online income can be risky, especially at the beginning.
Subsection 1.2.1: Creating with Purpose
If you're an artist, avoid creating for the sake of it. In the past, many published works went unread, filled with complex language. It's vital to have a purpose behind your creations. For example, my writing aims to inspire and educate.
As a graphic designer, your work should not just be about design; it should enhance a brand’s story and vision.
What can you do instead? Market your services by emphasizing the results you deliver. Rather than simply stating, "I design," say, "I help bring your brand story to life through my illustrations."
Section 1.3: Obsessing Over Metrics
Focusing too much on numbers can be detrimental. Recently, my LinkedIn content received 2.5 million views, but it didn’t significantly impact my life or career. Numbers shouldn't define your worth; instead, concentrate on the quality of your output.
What can you do instead? Embrace learning and experimentation. Focus on mastering your skills, and the metrics will naturally follow if you truly excel.
Chapter 2: The Path Forward
The first video, "What The Feds DON'T Want You To Know About The Job Market," discusses hidden aspects of job opportunities, providing insights that can help you navigate your career more effectively.
The second video, "To find work you love, don't follow your passion | Benjamin Todd | TEDxYouth@Tallinn," challenges common career advice and encourages viewers to rethink their approach to finding fulfilling work.
In conclusion, it’s easy to fall into these traps and then complain about the lack of progress. Many individuals overlook their own behavior, which often aligns with one of the pitfalls mentioned.
By recognizing and actively avoiding these traps—expecting upfront payment, giving up prematurely, lacking a purpose, and fixating on metrics—you can cultivate a more rewarding career. Once you identify these pitfalls and take proactive steps to avoid them, positive outcomes will follow.
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