I’m one of the few, the lucky and the quickly employed. Make no mistake, I worked very hard to get where I am, but I jumped from being a student to an associate to a full-time employee in barely any time. As I reflect back on my first three months in the working world I’d like to share with you five things I’ve learned on the job.

1. Never let comfort dim your hustle

I can’t ever afford to be comfortable again. The rest of my goals aren’t going to achieve themselves. Being hungry is not the act of wanting more, it’s the act of doing more so you can reach the next level. Reaching your goal only means that you need to start setting new ones.

2. Nobody is going to hold your hand

Remember those college professors who were relentless? The ones who didn’t care what your excuses were? Be thankful for them. Those were the most valuable advocates you will ever have. In the real world when you don’t get things done as expected, nobody cares. It’s on you. The excuses need to be left next to your textbooks.

3. Don’t compare yourself to your peers

When you’re a hard-working, young black professional with promise and great achievements, people will be intimidated by you. Hold your own. Assert your intelligence and never let anyone dim your light or make you second guess yourself.

4. Perfection isn’t attainable but excellence is

If you can get things done early, do that. If this means staying late, stay late. I can’t stress this enough. Be there before your boss gets in. Be there after your boss leaves. If you have a project due at EOD, make sure it’s ready to go by the morning of. Papa Pope was right, we have to work twice as hard to get half of what they get.

5. There is no roadmap to your hustle

There is no written guide to your hustle. You will run into obstacles that will leave you dumbfounded and you will need people to help you. I’ve had moments where I felt lost when it came to navigating my professional life and my peers just couldn’t help me. After figuring out these issues, I’ve realized that I need people in my corner who care about my success and know my industry. Pick and choose the people who you need to help elevate you.

Have you learned any lessons during you career? Share them with us in the comments below!

hustle life

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