'Swallow the Frog' — and win at work: Hacks to help you avoid career pitfalls

Want to fast-track your career? It’s not just about working hard — it’s about working smart.

From negotiating better pay to making yourself indispensable, small strategic moves can lead to big wins.

Master these career hacks to boost visibility, sharpen skills, and unlock new opportunities faster than you ever imagined.

These are some of the career pitfalls that prevent you from getting ahead:

Scary? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

Fix: Schedule regular check-ins (with boss or even colleagues) and ask, “What’s one thing I could improve?”

The biggest dream-killer.

Fix: Keep a success journal, challenge negative thoughts with evidence, and remember—everyone’s learning!

Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Fix: Take on stretch projects and work with new teams.

Stay still, and you’ll be left behind.

Fix: Take courses (plenty of them online, and cheap, too!), attend workshops, and track industry trends.

Exhaustion kills performance.

Fix: Prioritise sleep, stress management, and exercise—even in crunch time.

Your exit impacts your future.
Fix: Leave every job professionally, and apologize if needed.

No goals = no growth.

Fix: Set clear short- and long-term objectives, then reverse-engineer your plan.

Hard work alone won’t get you noticed.

Fix: Speak up, update your boss on wins, and build key relationships.

Who you know matters.

Fix: Reach out to two new contacts a month and reconnect with past colleagues.

You’re leaving money and opportunities behind!

Fix: Practice negotiating and learn to ask for what you deserve.

Your reputation = your career currency.

Fix: Post insights and join industry discussions on LinkedIn.

Quitting impulsively can leave you stranded.

Fix: Secure a new job, savings, or a solid plan first.

Staying just because it’s comfortable?

Fix: Regularly assess if you're valued and challenged. If not, explore new options.

Scared of failure? That’s part of the journey.

Fix: It’s not how many times you fail—it’s how many times you get back up.

Want to be indispensable? Here’s how:
✅ Observe your boss
✅ Identify what they hate doing
✅ Learn to do it
✅ Take it off their plate

Do this, and watch your career take off.