Chasing Short Term Career Goals Can Damage Your Long Term Career Prospects

We’ve all heard the ‘Work smarter, not harder’ mantra. Now, you’d think most people would get that being busy for the sake of being busy isn’t conducive to better returns. You’d be surprised how many don’t. I call these guys ‘firefighters’ because they run from putting out one ‘fire’ to another.

As an Executive Coach, I believe you must watch out for what makes you busy. Are you working on goals that move you forward or projects that keep you busy most days of the week?

Imagine The Following:

Steph worked in retail in Central London. It wasn’t her first choice because she tried several things before settling for this position.

Steph wasn’t academically oriented and left school with basic English and Math skills. She wasn’t career-minded either, didn’t give much thought to her future, and lived for the short term.

She thought things would work out for her. They did, but not the way she wanted. As a result, she went through the motions. She wasn’t happy with her situation but accepted it for what it was.

She’s now at the stage of her life where she feels this is the best this will get.

Looking back on her life, Steph wishes she had spent more time thinking about her choices. She felt the options offered to her at school weren’t exciting. She had no intention of studying further either. She left school and tried odd jobs, but each had no long-term prospects.

She sees her neighbour, Penny, a few years younger, and wonders what if. Whilst Steph was having fun, Penny put her head down and worked hard at school and university. Penny wasn’t naturally academic, but she worked for her grades.

After university, she joined a graduate programme and is now Head of FX Trading at a bulge bracket investment bank in London. Penny played the long-term game, whilst Steph played the short-term one.

Steph looks at Penny often and wonders what life would look like if she’d been more interested in a career than a job. Steph never wanted to work in the office but didn’t expand her horizons beyond her experience zones. She chased the easy route.

Penny, on the other hand, had no real career guidance and didn’t have any role models either, but she was determined to figure it out. She did. She now mentors a couple of students from her old school.

Steph is frustrated because she’s now at an age where getting another job might be more challenging than previously. She’d be competing with younger people and is not keen on climbing the career ladder either.

Cons of Short-Term Career Fruit Picking

❎Not stretching yourself enough

❎Danger of going on autopilot

❎Being busy for the sake of being busy

❎Not building the suitable bridges

❎Short Changing your learning

❎Not developing the right skills for a different tomorrow.

❎False sense of accomplishment

❎Focus too much on Upskilling and not enough on execution

What Should You Do Instead?

There’s nothing wrong in chasing the odd quick win. However, when it comes at the expense of long-term growth, you might consider mixing things up a bit. How? Get a mix of both Short and long-term goals. Focus on a couple of big, long-term ones with a mix of short, easy ones.

• Reflect on your interests and strengths. Take time to understand what you’re genuinely passionate about and where your skills lie. This can provide a more precise direction for your long-term career path.
• Seek mentorship and guidance. Just like Penny, finding mentors or role models can be a game-changer. They can offer invaluable advice, perspective, and encouragement as you navigate your career.
• Invest in continuous learning. The job market constantly evolves, so staying informed and upskilling is crucial. This doesn’t always mean formal education; it can be online courses, workshops, or self-study.
• Be open to change and adaptability. Sometimes, long-term success means being flexible and open to changing paths if necessary. What works today might not work tomorrow, so be prepared to pivot when needed.
• Prioritise job roles and companies that offer growth opportunities. Look for positions that challenge you and allow room for advancement. This might mean a slower start, but it could lead to more significant and fulfilling achievements in the long run.
• Balance your work-life commitments. While focusing on your career is essential, neglecting other aspects of your life can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. A well-rounded life can enhance your professional performance.

Parting Comments

The story of Steph and Penny illustrates an important point: focusing solely on short-term gains can lead to long-term regrets.

While it’s important to celebrate small victories and take opportunities as they come, it’s essential to keep an eye on the bigger picture. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you mix up your short-term goals with long-term aspirations, you’ll achieve more fulfilling success and create a career journey that is rich, rewarding, and aligned with your true potential.

Remember, it’s never too late to start thinking long-term, but the sooner you begin, the better your journey will be.

Thank you for your attention.

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Pervin

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