How I Learned to Prioritize My Career Over My Job and Transformed My Professional Life

When I started focusing on my career instead of my job, everything changed.

For years, I felt trapped, working hard without making progress. I was "in line" behind a bunch of men, who had been in line for years waiting for their promotion. There was no way I could leapfrog them and skip the line. But I knew that I could not wait over a decade based upon the frequency of opportunities and as a woman in a male dominated field.

Below I tell you the framework I used, if you need a quick summary here you go.

Prioritizing my career over my job changed everything. Here’s what I did:

• Shifted focus from daily tasks to long-term goals.
• Invested in skills that aligned with my future vision.
• Built relationships that supported career growth.

When you prioritize your career, transformation follows.

Simple, but focused and disciplined. That's that. If you want a bit more, keep reading and get a free resource to help you start, restart, or tweak.

1. A Job Pays the Bills; a Career Builds Your Future

A job provides income, but a career creates long-term fulfillment.

I realized I was following what others expected—teachers, parents, and pre-set career paths—without questioning if it aligned with my future. Instead of just completing tasks and moving to the next job, I began expanding my responsibilities. I sought projects that developed new skills and strengthened my network. I went outside of my department and cross-functionally. This shift made my work purposeful and connected to my bigger goals.

Prioritizing your career is about building your future, not punching a clock.

2. Focus on Growth Opportunities, Not Just Tasks

Tasks aren’t just checkboxes; they’re opportunities to grow and prove yourself.

I started looking for challenges beyond my role, like leading a category advisory meeting with EA Sports and the Walmart Video Game team. Though I had leadership experience, no one at the time knew it. I guided the day-long meeting, kept discussions focused, and ended each segment with clear action items and ownership. The positive feedback I received directly led to larger leadership opportunities. This wasn’t just about completing a task—it was a chance to showcase hidden skills and open new doors.

Growth happens when you turn tasks into stepping stones.

3. Invest in Skills That Align with Your Long-Term Vision

Your skills shape your future, so choose them wisely.

In 2008, I took a course on teaching larger groups—a skill outside my job’s scope but aligned with my vision. That series transformed my approach to public speaking, laying the foundation for my current work as a keynote speaker. Since then, I’ve spoken to thousands, influenced top leaders, workshops, and built a podcast listened to around the world. The course didn’t just benefit my career—it grew my business in ways I hadn’t invisioned or planned.

The right skills connect where you are to where you want to be.

Shifting from a short-term to a long-term mindset became the navigation to my potential.

Focus on your career, not just your job, and you’ll open doors you didn’t know existed.

The reframe from job to career is your path to freedom. Instead of frustration with the job, figure out your career strategy. Come back next week to find out The 5-Step Framework for Prioritizing Your Career Plan Over Your Job and Organization.

Not doing it alone, is my flex. And as promised your free resource to begin your career strategy is here. January 5th, 2025 - Blueprint Your Best Year - Virtual Co-Working Planning Session. Click here more details and to RSVP.