Why Career Growth Tops the List – And How to Chase It Relentlessly

We recently ran a poll asking professionals a deceptively simple question: “If you had to choose only one, what’s your top career priority?”

The options were:

• Passion & Purpose

• Great Salary

• Work-Life Balance

• Career Growth Opportunity

60% chose career growth opportunity. Not salary. Not balance. Not passion (though that came close). Career growth.

This wasn’t just a vote.....it was a wake-up call. It showed us that many professionals aren’t just content with collecting paychecks and surviving meetings. They want to progress, evolve, and win; But here’s the catch, growth doesn’t come wrapped in a neat promotion letter or a shiny new job title. Growth must be chased. Purposefully. Strategically. Sometimes uncomfortably.

Let’s break down exactly how you can go after it relentlessly.

1. Define Your Version of Growth (Yes, Yours)

One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is assuming growth always means a title change or salary bump. But real growth is deeply personal. For some, it's becoming a subject-matter expert. For others, it's gaining leadership skills, pivoting industries, or launching a side hustle.

Start by asking:

• What would growth look like for me in the next 12 months?

• Is it vertical (promotion), horizontal (skills/roles), or transformational (entirely new field)?

Write it down. Journal it. Vision board it. Because vague goals lead to vague results. Clarity gives your ambition a GPS.

2. Apply for Roles You’re Not 100% Ready For

Too many people wait until they’ve ticked every qualification box before hitting “apply.” But guess what? Most job descriptions are wishlists, not checklists. In fact, a LinkedIn study found men apply for roles when they meet 60% of the requirements, while women tend to wait until they meet 100%.  That gap? That’s the comfort zone whispering, “Play it safe.” Ignore it.

Apply for that bigger role. Volunteer for a cross-functional project. Stretch yourself. If you're always the smartest or most comfortable person in the room, you're probably in the wrong room. And remember: growth and comfort do not co-exist.

3. Mentorship Is the Shortcut You’re Ignoring

You can watch 100 YouTube videos or take 20 online courses but a single conversation with someone who’s walked the path can save you years of wandering. Mentorship isn’t about begging for hand-holding. It’s about asking the right questions, being humble enough to listen, and bold enough to reach out.

Start here:

• Identify someone whose career path inspires you.

• Reach out with a short, respectful message: “I admire your work in ........................ Would you be open to a 15-minute chat so I can learn from your journey?”

• Don’t just take.........offer something in return. Share an article. Volunteer. Say thank you publicly.

Bonus: Studies show mentored employees are 5x more likely to get promoted.

4. Invest in Skills, Not Just Credentials

Let’s be real.....degrees look good on a wall. But they’re not magic. Skills are what actually move the needle.

If you’re gunning for a leadership role, it’s not your certificate that makes the difference, it’s your ability to:

• Communicate confidently (not just in emails but in real, messy meetings)

• Understand and explain data, even if you’re not a numbers person

• Take initiative and lead project; formally or informally

• Use tools others shy away from (Excel, Power BI, Canva, Figma… yes, even Figma)

Upskilling today is no longer optional. It's survival. Platforms like Coursera, Skillfix, LinkedIn Learning, and even YouTube offer affordable ways to learn anything. So, what’s stopping you?

5. Build a Reputation, Not Just a Résumé

Let’s say you’re brilliant; but no one knows it. Career growth is not just about what you do; it’s about who sees you doing it. Your visibility matters. Not for ego, but for opportunity.

Be intentional about:

• Sharing your wins and lessons on LinkedIn

• Speaking up in team meetings (yes, even the awkward ones)

• Commenting on industry discussions

• Volunteering to represent your department in forums or webinars

The truth is, your next opportunity is often hiding in someone else’s perception of you. Be seen. Be heard. Be memorable.

6. Track Your Progress and Ask for Feedback (Often)

Ever feel like you’re working hard but not really sure if it’s adding up? That’s because we rarely track our own growth. Start a Brag File. Keep a living document of:

• Key wins and milestones

• Challenges you overcame

• Emails of appreciation from clients or managers

• Metrics that improved because of your work

Then, pair it with regular feedback. Don’t wait for the annual review. Ask quarterly: “How can I improve?” “What’s one thing I did well and one thing I can do better?” Feedback may sting, but it’s fertilizer for growth.

Growth Doesn’t Wait for Permission

Let me say this bluntly....no one will promote you out of pity or surprise. Career growth doesn’t show up. It’s summoned. So ask yourself each week:

• What scared me this week and did I do it anyway?

• What did I learn that makes me more valuable?

• What am I building that future-me will thank me for?

Your career is a rocket, not a rowboat. Stop waiting for calm seas.....build the engine.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're serious about chasing growth with intention through skills, mentorship, or personal branding.....we’ve got you.

WhatsApp us on 0700231231 Or visit skillfix.org to start your journey with expert tools, training, and personalized support.

Let’s stop wishing for growth and start engineering it. You’re one bold move away from a whole new level.