Who isn’t a little curious about what a successful professional does differently from the average person? It’s not about what they do with their money. It’s how they approach their careers.
Passenger or Pilot: Which One Are You?
It’s easy to think we are all doing what we can to take control of our careers. However, this article points out a misconception some people have: thinking they lack control over certain aspects of their career. Or worse, not even bothering to try to take control.
In our careers, we are either a:
A) Passenger – an employee held hostage by golden handcuffs.
B) Pilot – a business-of-one who is in charge of their destiny.
I can see why being a passenger in your career might be attractive. You get to leave the scary, intense work of navigating to the pilot. But is that what you really want? Currently, I’m seeing a shift in our workforce’s mentality.
More and more people are seeking professional emancipation as part of the natural evolution of the employee. They are tired of being a passenger and want to learn how to become the pilot of their career. That being said, here are seven tips for those seeking to become an ultra-successful professional…
1. Realize You’re A Business-Of-One
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Your career has equity. Recognize it and start to determine how to use it to your advantage.
Inventory your assets as a professional and determine who is willing to pay top dollar for them. If you don’t have valuable skill sets that are in demand, start acquiring some. Think like an entrepreneur: track your professional ROI, invest in your development, and market yourself accordingly. Your personal brand is your business identity, and how you manage it will determine your long-term career success.
2. Always Look To Gain An Advantage In Your Business Dealings
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You must negotiate with employers. Don’t take what is given to you without a discussion. An employer is a customer who is always looking for the best deal, and you’re the business-of-one providing a service for them. You want to do business with a customer willing to pay for the quality of work you provide.
Learn to effectively negotiate salary, perks, and other benefits so you feel good about the partnership. You don’t work “for” an employer. You work “with” an employer. Understand your market value and be ready to advocate for it. The more strategic you are in these conversations, the more you’ll shape a career aligned with your goals.
3. Do Things Well
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Remember that doing things well is more important than doing new things.
Get focused on building your expertise and understanding how you are the aspirin to an employer’s pain. You must be great at a few things, rather than okay at a bunch of things. What is your specialty as a business-of-one? Refine your craft continuously and measure your performance with real outcomes. Quality work builds reputation, trust, and long-term opportunity—especially in competitive industries where consistency is king.
4. Work With People Who Are Smarter Than You
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Look for the smartest people you can work with. Find companies you admire and respect. Not for their pay and benefits package, but for the kind of products or services they deliver.
You must seek your professional tribe and partner with them to up your career game. Surrounding yourself with top talent elevates your thinking, challenges your assumptions, and accelerates your growth. Success is contagious. Being part of a high-performing team can fast-track your own development.
5. Get Clear On Your Employer’s Goals, Needs, And Business Intentions
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Want to do better in your career? Don’t be so self-centered. It’s not about your needs and wants.
Instead, focus on the needs, wants, and business objectives of the people you are partnering with. You’ll be able to offer more value and get more in return if you do. They are your customer. Exceed their expectations and you’ll have them eating out of your hand. Study the company’s mission, read annual reports, follow leadership updates, and talk to stakeholders. The more aligned you are with your employer’s vision, the more indispensable you become.
6. Be In A Position To Walk Away When The Situation Isn’t Right
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Get yourself in a financial position that enables you to quit a job and survive without income for one year. Every job is temporary. You may lose a job. You may want to leave a job. In either case, having the security of savings will give you the power to make the best decisions for your business-of-one.
Who wants to stay in a bad situation just for the money? Ask anyone who held on to a life-sucking job only to get laid off how that worked for them. They’ll tell you they wish they could have left at the first sign of trouble. This financial freedom gives you leverage—something most professionals don’t realize they need until it’s too late. Build your “career runway” now so you can make strategic moves later.
7. Realize You Need Experiences And Setbacks To Move Forward
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There is no real failure. We experience, learn, and grow. Stop playing it safe and start embracing your fear. As the old saying goes, “Life begins where your comfort zone ends.” You will not survive and thrive in your career if you don’t constantly learn new things.
Making mistakes teaches us what not to do. That’s a good thing! Stop worrying about what others think and start worrying about what will happen if you don’t take control. Each challenge you face builds resilience, adaptability, and leadership potential. Embrace failure as a career-building tool: it sharpens your judgment and makes you a more valuable asset to future employers.
Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of consistent, intentional habits practiced over time. I hope these tips help you build strong, sustainable habits that elevate your career and position you as a truly successful professional.
Remember, you’re the CEO of your own career. The choices you make today shape the opportunities you’ll have tomorrow. So, how are you taking ownership of your career right now? What habit will you commit to building this week?
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