Three Job Mistakes You Should Never Make

In an economy where jobs are hard to come by, those who are fortunate enough to have one should be doing everything in their power to keep their jobs. However, many women – and men – make a few mistakes at work that could cost them their jobs, even though they don’t think they’re doing anything wrong. These three jobs mistakes are the kiss of death in any office, no matter how powerful your position.

Gossiping

Sure, you think you are just becoming one of the girls, gossiping about so-and-so’s work ensemble, but in reality you are slowly sealing your fate at the office. Gossiping is the fastest way to lose your credibility with your coworkers and your boss. This doesn’t mean you have to stop talking to your coworkers; you just have to make sure everything you say comes out positive. Knowing the difference between good gossip and bad gossip is crucial. Talking about Sally from accounting’s new baby during lunch with ladies from work is fine if you are saying how lucky she is to have such a sweet, adorable little angel. It is not okay to say that Sally’s husband is probably going to leave her because she’ll never get her body back.

Being Unprepared

Nothing is worse than a person who shows up for work unprepared. Every day before you go home you should take a look at your calendar to see what tomorrow brings so you know what to bring tomorrow. If you have a meeting the next day, prepare a notepad and a pen and go ahead and make an organized list of your ideas and/or questions to discuss. Always being prepared makes you come across as a hard worker, not a flake.

Not Doing Your Job

This one sounds easy, but too many people forget to do their actual job. For example, an assistant who wants a shot at writing a weekly column who focuses so much on furthering her career that she forgets to do her actual job is going to get fired. It’s great to have ambition, but it’s important to remember that ambition comes with a price, and sometimes that price means making the best damn copies in the building and picking up the most delicious latte the coffee shop has to offer for your boss. No one is going to offer a promotion to someone who knows all about the job they want, but doesn’t do the job they have.