10 things that are killing your career

BEING cool, too happy or looking important aren't the fastest ways to a corner office. Here's how to avoid the seemingly innocent things that are setting you back.

Disgraced US politician famously imploded his career after sexting allegations emerged. Picture: AP.

WE ALL want to get ahead at work right? But you might be holding yourself back with one of these 10 seemingly innocent mistakes.

Being cool

This isn't high school. It is not about hanging with the cool crowd. Sure, it helps to network and make sure people want to hang with you at office outings. But that does not translate to being an office rebel who is pouring a Scotch two hours before quitting time. The reality is that the cool-kid-in-high-school act will likely be playing out more as the-guy-who-gets-fired act. You want to stay as far away from that as possible. Be fun. Be interesting. Don't be drunk. Don't be ridiculous.

Being as 'cool' as James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause was one thing when you're 16. Picture: Supplied.

Being too happy

You have to make sure you roll into work with a little positivity. Everyone is already trying to keep a good face on when they show up on Mondays. The last thing you want to be is a grump. But the second to last thing you want to be is way too happy. Smile, but don't just sit around smiling no matter what happens. Some days and some moments at work call for a look of frustration. You are allowed to be upset. Don't be the guy who is creepily smiling. You may find yourself smiling at nobody at all.

Asking for a raise

You should always be keeping an eye on how much further your job can take you financially. You will know when the time is right, but when should you be asking for a raise? Don't ask every day, and try to avoid demanding one before the boss has had his coffee. Most importantly, make your point once and follow up after a few weeks if you haven't heard back. Catching the boss when he just came back from the bathroom will not score you any points.

Looking productive

Typing is definitely a way to look like you have your hands full. Typing with a look of panic or intensity on your face is even better. But typing loudly is likely not going to do anything except gain you some annoyed neighbours. Loud does not mean busy. In fact, it usually means the opposite. Try to look occupied (try to be occupied, too).

Dirty workspace

If you don't want to be like Bad Advice Guy, ensure you have a clean workspace. A desk covered in snacks, trash and old magazines looks like someone doesn't really keep things tight. Don't keep it too tidy so that it looks like nothing is ever happening, but keep those unwrapped chocolate bars in a drawer and those month-old invoices in a folder. A clean desk means a clean mind. A desk covered in garbage, well, you can fill in the rest.

An unclean workspace can be perceived as a sign of an unclean mind. Picture: AP.

Looking important

There is an old saying that if you want something done, give it to a busy person. There is also a saying that looking busy is almost as good as being busy. Fine. We made that one up. But it works. if you find yourself with a little time on your hands, don't look like that's the case. Don't sprint around the office frantically, but make sure you never look like you have time on your hands. People notice that.

Taking days off

Everyone needs time off. The key is how you handle it with the bosses. Make sure you have a good reason. If you don't, make sure you create a good one and have a credible tale. Make sure your tale is not so elaborate that when you return, people are stunned. Keep it simple. Keep it believable. Keep it at something you would believe yourself.

If you want time off, give your bosses a good reason. Picture: Supplied.

Staying focused

Nothing like chugging some Red Bulls to keep your focus going into the afternoon on those long Fridays, right? Wrong. There are better ways to stay focused than to load up on caffeine and sugar. No need for 12 coffees. Find something that you are really excited about working on and delve deep. If nothing excites you at your job, you have bigger problems. If you're stuck, there are some tips further along that may help.

Safety first

What? Wait. Nobody is ever a big fan of the safety guy at the office. Let someone else worry about this and you focus more on getting your actual work done. Running around and stealing scissors may not be your best play for many reasons. If you are obsessing over keeping things safe in the office, you are not busy enough or should look for something more fitting as a job. But, hey, we told you these were tips you should avoid.

Fashion

Dress for success. We have all heard that said. It makes sense. But that should not mean you have to try and be the hippest or most adventurous guy in the room. Keep it simple and smart. The minute you start thinking a little too far outside the box, you may alienate people. Just look at this video - Bad Advice Guy is a perfect example of that poor strategy. Play it safe. Unless you work in a super-creative industry, like fashion. Then just do whatever you want. Except for the shirtless move.

Sartorial adventures are perfectly fine for the races but perhaps not for the office. Picture: News Limited.

This article originally appeared on AskMen.

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