Our careers provide us with financial resources to pay our bills and do some of the things we enjoy. We put considerable time and effort to building our reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable employee. Having said that, a wrong move can tarnish all that. Here are some career mistakes to avoid. Did you ever feel completely fed up with your job and have a compelling urge to run out screaming? Tempted to tell your boss off?

Quitting Before You Are Ready

We all have moments in our career where things seem bleak. You may feel unhappy at work and don’t think that will change. Career decisions should be weighed carefully and given considerable thought. You may be tempted to jump ship or make other career mistakes. Think before you act. After all, most of us are not independently wealthy. All the best to those who are but it’s a small percentage. When you are gainfully employed, t’s easier to find a job provided you weren’t affected by layoffs. Get your resume fired up and start looking if you feel like it’s time for a change. My suggestion is not to do anything rash.

Gossip

At work, it’s important to build trust and rapport. You need your coworkers to help you be successful. If you gossip about coworkers, it can be counter productive. Gossip can be a distraction from what you are trying to accomplish at work. Who knows, the person you gossip about could be your next boss. Maintaining good relationships at work is critical so don’t make this career mistake.

That’s Not My Job

The duties we are asked to perform sometimes go well beyond the scope of our jobs, especially in today’s work environment. Companies are doing more with less, there are layoffs, jobs are moving to other countries. It can be overwhelming. It’s important to strike the right balance. If you are perceived as someone who is only willing to do their job and nothing more, that can be a problem for you in the future. You may be nervous about taking on responsibilities you are unfamiliar with. You may have too much on your plate. It can be a challenge. The point is when you can help, you should. Never use the phrase “That’s not my job”. It’s a turnoff for most bosses. If you are unsure how to do something say “I want to help out, this is new to me, can you provide some direction on the best approach?”

Although it’s unfortunate, it’s much harder to build your reputation than to lose it It’s a delicate balance, one that you should always be mindful of. You can go home and vent to family and friends. The point is to always maintain your professionalism at work and be mindful of these career mistakes. Develop a reputations as someone who provides valuable contributions, is a team player and acts in the best interest of the company. If you are looking for something else in a career, think through that decision carefully before taking action.