10 Career Truths No One Tells You (But I Will)
Let’s cut the corporate fluff.
After coaching everyone from fresh-faced high achievers to boardroom bosses, I’ve learned this: your résumé may open doors, but it’s the unwritten rules that really move the needle.
These are the things no one puts in a job description, but every successful leader figures out eventually (usually the hard way).
So whether you’re climbing the ladder, switching lanes, or wondering if it’s time to build your own… here are 10 refreshingly real career truths I wish someone had told me earlier.
You ready? Let’s go.
1. Fulfillment is intentional, not accidental.
Money, status, and applause are short-term highs. Long-term meaning comes from doing work that matters to you. That kind of success? You have to prioritize it.
2. You’re bigger than your role.
Roles change. Companies shift. Sure, your role may open doors for you. But if you’ve built your entire identity on a job title, you’ll lose yourself the minute it disappears. Anchor your identity in who you are, not your title.
3. You can’t lead on an empty tank.
Pushing through pain isn’t a flex, it’s a slow fade. Burnout isn’t the cost of success; it’s a sign of misalignment. Protect your peace like it’s your most valuable asset. Because it is.
4. Results matter, but only when people see them.
You can be excellent and still invisible. Let’s be real—most people are too busy to notice your wins unless you spotlight them. That’s why owning your narrative is key. It’s not bragging to make your work known, it’s leadership. Advocate for your impact, or risk being overlooked by those who make the decisions. In other words, talent ≠ recognition.
5. There’s a difference between being committed and being stuck.
You’re allowed to walk away from a seat that no longer fits the leader you’re becoming. Staying out of loyalty sounds noble, but if you're not growing in your current company, it's time to move on. Staying will only hurt your career, not your company.
6. More responsibility doesn’t mean more fulfillment.
Chasing the next title without checking your alignment can leave you with a fancier business card and a heavier heart. Define success on your terms and ignore other voices.
7. Your network is your net worth.
Daily collaborators see your hustle, but it’s often those loose connections, former colleagues, and coffee-date contacts who create career-shifting opportunities. Keep those contacts warm. Don't be afraid to reach out to your 2nd and 3rd degree connections. That is often where the gold is!
8. Power skills are your career superpower.
Hard skills may open the door, but it’s power skills—like emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability—that keep you in the room and unlock the next one. And as AI and digital agents take on more technical tasks, it’s your distinctly human skills that will set you apart. In a world of automation, connection becomes your edge. Keep investing in your power skills because the future of work will depend on them.
9. Not all criticism is worth listening to.
Feedback is vital, but discernment is critical. If someone hasn’t earned your trust, don’t hand them the keys to your confidence. Make sure to filter through the criticism and listen only to what's useful.
10. Goals are a starting point, not a life sentence.
Career paths aren’t straight lines. What once felt right may no longer serve you—and that’s a sign of growth, not confusion.
You didn’t get where you are by accident, and you won’t get where you’re going by default.
Take a breath. Take inventory. Then take one courageous step in the direction of who you’re here to be—not just as a leader, but as a human being.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.
Together we unleash forward,
Salima Valji
If one of these lessons struck a chord, don’t keep it to yourself. Let me know which one you’re wrestling with or are ready to act on. Insight is powerful, but conversation moves it forward.
