What are the biggest career mistakes to avoid?

Answered by Jedidiah Benhur Margoschis Wisely, English Instructor

• Designations do not matter. Pay does. Do not fall for flashy designations during appraisals. Demand a pay raise instead.

• Do not climb up the ladder by pulling someone down. This ‘upgrade’ does not last long.

• Avoid colleagues who gossip. If he talks to you about someone, he will talk about you to someone else.

• If you don’t like the job, quit. Do not stay and grudge.

• Understand that no one, not even the Founder is bigger than the system. Nobody is indispensable.

• The colleague who is not good at what you specialise is no fool. He might be good at something else. Respect everyone.

• Whenever a work is assigned to you, ask why.

• Do not expect deadlines to be assigned to you. Set one for yourself. Bosses do not prefer micro-managing people.

• If you feel you are too good for the company, quit.

• Know your rights.

• Understand that you are in a legal contract. You provide your service to your employer and he pays you in return. No one favours anyone. Be business-minded.

• If you are assigned work that is not in your job description, demand more money. Quit if the demand is not met.