Last week, my 22-year-old son Arno asked me a meaningful question: “Mom, what are your tips for me as I start my career?”

Boom. That’s the kind of question that makes you pause. How often do you get the chance to help a fresh starter with all the wisdom you’ve gained along the way? It was such a beautiful question to receive, and while writing down my tips, I thought: Why not share this with everyone?

Because as I wrote these tips, I realized something: these insights remain relevant no matter where you are in your career. Whether you’re a starter, mid-level professional, or senior, these ideas can help you stand stronger and more consciously in your work.

So here they are. No boring advice or theoretical fluff. These are the 10 things I shared with Arno—and now, with you.

10 Tips

1. Know What Matters to You in a Job (and Work Environment)

Your career isn’t meant to look Pinterest-perfect. It’s meant to fit you. Discover what you need to feel good at work. Is it flexibility? A great boss? Motivating colleagues? Or a job that truly makes an impact?

Write it down. Yes, literally. Grab a piece of paper, or use your phone, and list what’s important to you. If you don’t know what you need, how can you make decisions that are good for you? Keep this list as your compass throughout your career.

2. Celebrate Your Successes (Even the Small Ones)

Survived your first day at work? AMAZING. Finished a project? FANTASTIC. What should you do next? Celebrate it. Pause and acknowledge what you’ve achieved, even if it seems small.

It’s not always about promotions. Every step you take is worth celebrating. And no, you don’t have to wait for someone else to notice. Because if you’re not your own supporter, who will be?

Treat yourself to something fun: grab that fancy coffee, go out for dinner, or buy the book you’ve been eyeing for weeks. Celebrating your wins gives you a boost and keeps you motivated.

3. Keep Learning

This is the golden rule. Please, never, ever stop learning. The world moves so fast that standing still will leave you feeling behind.

Ask colleagues for tips, read books, take courses. And here’s the best part: you’ll learn so much more on the job than you ever did in school. But if you’re in an environment where learning isn’t encouraged? RUN. Seriously, leave. Don’t stay in a place that doesn’t foster growth.

4. Ask for Feedback (and Use It)

Feedback isn’t criticism. Feedback is growth. So ask for it. Ask your boss, ask your colleagues: “How am I doing? What can I improve?”

Listen, learn, and let it make you better. Feedback isn’t an attack; it’s a gift, even if it’s wrapped in ugly paper. What’s inside is pure gold.

5. Build Your Network

Networking isn’t just for dull people in boring suits. Start early in your career. Networking is about connecting, learning, and growing.

Ask questions, show interest, and remember: people love helping others. Build connections both online and in real life. Networking opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

6. Find Meaning in Your Work

What’s your why? Why do you do what you do? This is your compass on days when things get tough.

Your job doesn’t have to change the world, but it should make a difference—even if it’s just for you.

7. Protect Your Work-Life Balance

“Work hard, play hard.” Honestly, not my favorite quote. Work is important. But you know what’s even more important? You.

Work hard, but also turn off your phone. Take breaks. Go for a walk. Say no when your calendar is already full. Burning yourself out is not the goal. A sustainable career that balances work and joy? That’s the real win.

8. Embrace Mistakes

Here’s something people don’t say enough: making mistakes is awesome. Seriously, I mean it. If you’ve made a mistake, that means you tried something new.

Think of it this way: “My mistake. What can I learn from it?” Mistakes make you stronger and smarter.

9. Build Resilience

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and the same goes for your career. That’s part of it. You’ll face criticism, clash with people, and have projects that fail.

But here’s the thing: resilience isn’t built when everything’s going well. It’s built when things get hard. And believe me, you’ll need it. Learn to handle setbacks and grow from them.

10. Be Open to Reinvention

You’re at the start of your career. I know I had to find myself first. Sometimes you’ll feel stuck. That’s okay. Be brave enough to reinvent yourself and choose a new direction. Say: “This isn’t what I want. Time for something new.”

Your career isn’t a straight line. It’s an adventure, a journey. You decide where to go—so enjoy the ride!

Photo Tips

And because your career is also about having fun, here are two bonus tips hidden in the picture:
1️⃣ Enjoy the ride and have fun. Life’s too short to take everything seriously.
2️⃣ Always keep your elevator pitch ready. You never know when you’ll need it.

One Last Word

To all career starters: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be fast. You don’t have to know everything. Learn. Grow. Stay true to yourself. Enjoy.

Do you want to discuss your career? Whether you’re a starter, mid-level professional, or senior, contact me at info@popconsult.be or schedule a free introduction via https://popconsult.be/contact/.

About Me:
I’m Ann Rens, career coach, HR expert, entrepreneur, and proud mom of Arno (22) and Sara (20). With over 30 years of experience, I help people and organizations keep their talents sustainably employable.