How can we measure our career success? What are our benchmarks? Obviously there are many ways to measure success, postulated here in a previous post. Each of us has to decide what success looks like, but if you want to understand if you’re on track to your career goal, how do you know?
There are two ways that I believe supersede any other:
- Mentors
- Knowing peer compensation
Mentors can tell you if you’re on the right track because they have been there, done that. They’re ahead of you and can help navigate the right career path. “Fool’s gold” will find its way to you throughout your career–jobs that look good at the time, but ultimately aren’t what you’re looking for and lead you astray from your goal. Mentors help you identify those instances, thus getting you to your goals faster. Getting great mentors is the trick, however. No one said it was easy.
The second is even harder. When you know your peer compensation, you have a sense of whether you’re achieving the financial rewards of your work. Sure you can judge that by what car you drive or the size of your house–but taking the long term view, those items will equalize. Your career is about maximizing compensation for the work that leads you where you want to go. Compensation should ascend commensurate with your experience and value. When that isn’t happening, you should know. Our salary negotiation guide, Get Paid* can show you how to figure out what you’re worth.
Measuring your career success is more art than science and takes some diligence. However, knowing your status will help you achieve your career goals while maximizing your compensation along the way. Best of luck!
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