Always remember that anything worth having requires sacrifice. Working hard is the key to success and those who don’t take charge of their careers often end up working dead-end jobs.

• Take the time to assess your own skills so that you know when you are in the right place. Get to know yourself in order to know where you will be happiest.
• A career builds on itself over time. Jumping from job to job is not a career!
• Choose your direction carefully. The bigger the change in a career path, the more difficult it is to re-enter the market.
• Communication skills have become more and more important. Even when working a technical job, “people skills” are necessary because even technical experts will get fired for not getting along or collaborating with others.
• Don’t allow yourself to be unemployed. Volunteer somewhere, work part-time for a temporary agency or help a friend out at his or her company. Someone is always going to need your help.
• Don’t stay in a job that you hate. Hating your daily routine can lead to poor health and negatively affect the people around you. Know when it is time for a change.
• When something goes wrong, accept it and take responsibility. Making excuses never helps. Take control of your future.

Source: Career Lab