(Don’t wait until it’s too late.)
Most people only realize these truths after losing years—or even decades—of their career:
1️⃣ Your company isn’t loyal.
→ Loyalty goes to profits, not people. Always build your career on value—not promises.
2️⃣ Hard work alone won’t get you promoted.
→ Promotions go to visible impact, not quiet effort.
3️⃣ Job titles don’t equal influence.
→ People respect actions and results, not titles.
4️⃣ Busy isn’t successful.
→ Impact means doing fewer things, better—not doing everything.
5️⃣ Feedback isn’t personal.
→ Real growth comes from feedback, not praise. Embrace criticism.
6️⃣ You won’t succeed alone.
→ Lone wolves burn out. The best careers grow through relationships.
7️⃣ Perfectionism slows you down.
→ Real success comes from speed, iteration, and improvement—not perfection.
8️⃣ Your network is your net worth.
→ Great opportunities are never advertised. They’re shared privately.
9️⃣ Great careers have boundaries.
→ Burnout doesn’t build careers. Clear boundaries and deliberate rest do.
🔟 Waiting to be noticed guarantees invisibility.
→ Self-advocacy isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Don’t waste years learning these the hard way.
Read this twice—then adjust accordingly.
Kenrick Vaz 