How to Prioritize Learning Over Job Titles

My HR career progression may look disjointed to some.   But to me, it represents a series of deliberate life decisions.   HR Generalist ACA Coordinator Director of HR Sr. HR Business Partner Director of HR Services HR Business Partner  Director of Engagement   At each stage, I made my decision based on my next step of career growth.   Not my next title.   I identified what I wanted and needed to learn next to create my dream career.   And made sure that directed my decision.   The result?   Countless learning opportunities and experiences that have built my dream career.   It’s tempting (and easier) to choose your career path based on title.   But if I had done that?   I would have missed out on so many crucial learning opportunities.   Titles are good, but they’re not the ultimate goal.   Be deliberate about your career.   Fill in your HR knowledge gaps.   Ensure you’re building your dream career.   ---------------------------------------------------------   Follow me, Amy Mencarelli, for positive, high-impact business tips to grow your HR career.

Hey there, it’s me, your coach Nina, how are you today? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the exciting but vast possibilities in your career? Society, your parents, friends, strangers on social media, and even your own expectations have all been suggesting paths you “should” take professionally. If you're intellectually curious and enjoy learning, you likely have a strong drive to grow already. You might already have some ideas about where you want to go and how to get there. However, with endless possibilities and only 24 hours in a day, it's important to have a focused and sustainable approach to your career development, one that prevents overwhelm and burnout. Here are some strategies to consider: 1️⃣ List out your career goals: What do you really want in your career? Is it money, title, creative freedom, influence, fame, or making an impact? In my early career I wanted to get promoted because the society says so, but after a few years I started to optimize for learning new experiences (hence jumping from corporate to startup to stand up a new team.) 2️⃣ Figure out your why: understand why you want to achieve something adds meaning and boosts motivation. Are you aiming for FIRE (financial independence to retire early), seeking respect as a manager, or craving intellectual exploration? 3️⃣ Define success: know your destination helps you figure out what resources or skills you need to get there. For instance, aspiring to be a people manager might require learning how to inspire others. 4️⃣ Identify the resources you need: Just like planning a trip, you need to know what to pack for your career journey. Determine the skills or knowledge necessary for your dream role. 5️⃣ Choose how to learn: Different people prefer different learning methods—reading, visual cues, podcasts, or hands-on experience. Find what works best for you and experiment if you're unsure. 6️⃣ Practice: Apply your new skills whenever possible. Shadow others, volunteer for projects, and actively develop the competencies you need. 7️⃣ Reflect regularly: Set a monthly reminder to assess your progress and adjust your strategies if needed. 8️⃣ Seek accountability: Remember the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Find a mentor, friend, or a coach friend to support and hold you accountable. What strategies have you used or would you recommend to feel less overwhelmed and more empowered in your career growth? #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #midcareer

💡 Seeking early career advice? Let me share the advice I give when asked: optimize for learning, not title or salary. 💰When I first started my career, I made the mistake of chasing a big title or paycheck a couple of times, and those ended up being my worst decisions (although still great learning opportunities). 📚 The best choices I've made were driven by a hunger for knowledge and personal growth. When I saw smart, fun people in an environment where I could learn and expand my horizons, I reached for that. And guess what? These decisions turned out to be the most financially rewarding too. 🎯 So here's my advice: focus on opportunities that challenge, excite, and make you eager to learn daily. Seek teams and cultures that foster growth, where you can thrive. 🎓 Your career is a journey of continuous learning and evolution. Embrace it, and the rewards will follow. #CareerAdvice #GrowthMindset #StartupLife