What Schools Don’t Teach About Career -- and Life Success

What Schools Don’t Teach About Career -- and Life Success

Ovadia Hayat

A Personal Journey of Realization and Growth

I did everything I was told—worked hard, stayed loyal, followed the rules. But one day, I realized the game was rigged. Success wasn’t just about effort—it was about understanding the system and playing it wisely.

Early Career Mindset

As a young professional in my 20s and 30s, I held a conventional view of career success. I thought that dedication to my job, adherence to company policies, and an unwavering commitment to hard work would naturally lead to promotions, salary increases, and a fulfilling career. This mindset was deeply ingrained in me through both my formal education and societal expectations. The equation seemed simple: work hard, be loyal, and success will follow.

The Turning Point

However, a turning point came when I realized that my adherence to this "wrong" playbook was not yielding the results I had anticipated. It dawned on me that despite my relentless efforts, my career progression was stagnating. This realization came during a particularly challenging period at work, where I observed that those who advanced were not necessarily the hardest workers but rather those who understood the dynamics of networking, strategic career moves, and self-promotion. Numerous times, I watched as colleagues who were clearly neither the most talented nor even the hardest working move past me up the corporate ladder. Those painful but necessary experiences forced me to rethink everything I knew about career success.

What I Know Now

My personal journey has taught me several key lessons that schools should impart to students:

·       The Importance of Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships can be just as important as your technical skills and work ethic. Networking opens doors to opportunities that you might not even be aware of.

·       Strategic Career Moves: Sometimes, lateral moves or even stepping back momentarily can set you up for greater long-term success. Understanding when and how to make these moves is crucial.

·       Self-Promotion: Being good at your job isn't enough. You need to ensure that others, especially decision-makers, are aware of your contributions and achievements.

·       Financial Literacy: Understanding how money works, including investments and financial planning, is essential for long-term stability and growth.

The Career Lessons No One Told Me

How I spent decades trading time for money instead of building assets:

For years, I believed that exchanging my time for a paycheck was the only path to financial security. I focused on earning a salary rather than building assets that could generate passive income. It wasn't until later in life that I realized the importance of investing in assets such as real estate, stocks, or even businesses that could provide financial independence.

The moment I realized that "hard work" alone wouldn’t make me wealthy:

A pivotal moment came when I saw colleagues, who were not necessarily the hardest workers, outpace me in terms of career advancement and financial success. They understood the importance of leveraging their time and resources, rather than just toiling away. This epiphany made me understand that hard work, while important, must be combined with strategic thinking and asset building.

Why self-education was the real game-changer, not my formal education:

Formal education laid the foundation for my career, but it was self-education that truly transformed my professional and financial trajectory. Books, seminars, and mentorships provided insights and knowledge that were never covered in school. Self-education equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of the professional world and make informed decisions about my career and finances.

Actionable Advice

The #1 lesson I wish I had learned sooner about career success:

The most valuable lesson is that building a successful career is not just about working hard but also about working smart. This involves understanding the importance of networking, strategic career planning, and continuous self-education.

A practical step readers can take today:

Want to take control of your career starting today? Here’s my challenge for you: Read Rich Dad Poor Dad and start thinking about ways to build assets—not just earn a paycheck. Then, take one step toward networking this week—send a message, set up a coffee chat, or join a professional group. Small steps lead to big changes.

Closing Thought

Jim Rohn once said, ‘Formal education will earn you a paycheck. Self-education will earn you a fortune.’ I didn’t fully understand this until nearly 50—but you don’t have to wait that long.

What’s one career lesson you had to learn the hard way? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Mastering Proactivity: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Career

Empowering Yourself in the Professional World

Hard work alone won’t get you ahead. Neither will waiting for recognition. If you want to accelerate your career, you need to be proactive—especially after critical workplace conversations. I break it down in my latest article.

Ovadia Hayat

Introduction

Have you ever felt like your career was at the mercy of others' decisions? What if you could take back control and shape your own success? In today's competitive job market, being proactive is more than just a beneficial trait — it's a necessity. Passive career management leaves your professional growth at the mercy of external factors, whereas a proactive approach empowers you to shape your own path, seize opportunities, and build a fulfilling career. This guide will explore the importance of proactivity in career management and provide actionable steps to help you become a master of your professional destiny.

Case Study: A Lesson in Proactivity

Recently, I encountered a young man at my workout gym who was trying to negotiate a promotion at his job. His boss informed him that he would hear back about it in a few days. I advised him not to let this interim period pass without being proactive. I suggested that he draft an email to his boss, thanking them for their time and sharing specific ideas to improve the efficiency of his department.

The young man followed my advice and sent the email. Although he didn't get the promotion, he had already started looking for better opportunities. By the next week, he had quit his job and secured a better position with another company. Proactivity isn’t just about getting what you ask for—it’s about maintaining momentum and opening better doors. This experience underscored the importance of not letting "dead silence" follow an important meeting or interview and the value of taking initiative in managing one's career.

The Power of Proactivity

Proactivity involves taking initiative, anticipating future needs, and acting in advance rather than reacting to events as they occur. This mindset can significantly enhance your career trajectory by:

· Creating Opportunities: By not waiting for opportunities to come to you, you can create your own through networking, skill development, and seeking out new challenges.

· Building Relationships: Proactive individuals make the effort to build strong professional relationships, which can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and new job prospects.

· Enhancing Reputation: Taking the initiative can set you apart from your peers, establish you as a leader, and build a reputation for reliability and innovation.

Steps to Become More Proactive

1. Set Clear Goals

Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Knowing what you want to achieve allows you to take targeted steps toward your objectives. Write down your goals and create a roadmap with actionable steps to reach them.

2. Continuously Improve Your Skills

The job market is constantly evolving, and so should your skill set. Identify the skills that are most relevant to your industry and invest in continuous learning through courses, workshops, and self-study. Stay updated with industry trends and adapt accordingly.

3. Network Actively

Networking is not just about attending events and exchanging business cards. Proactively seek out meaningful connections within and outside your organization. Engage with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, attend conferences, and participate in professional communities. Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support throughout your career.

4. Seek Feedback and Act on It

Regularly seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and show your commitment to personal and professional growth.

5. Take on New Challenges

Volunteer for new projects, take on additional responsibilities, and step out of your comfort zone. By doing so, you demonstrate your willingness to grow and your ability to adapt to new situations. This proactive approach can also showcase your leadership potential.

6. Follow Up After Meetings and Interviews

After important meetings or interviews, don't let the interim period slip by without being proactive. Follow up with a thank you email, reiterate your interest, and share any additional ideas or insights you may have. This shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on the radar of decision-makers.

Conclusion

Proactivity in career management is about taking charge of your professional journey, rather than waiting for opportunities to come your way. By setting clear goals, continuously improving your skills, actively networking, seeking feedback, taking on new challenges, and following up after key interactions, you can create a dynamic and rewarding career path. Remember, your career is in your hands — be proactive and shape it into your vision!

Have you ever taken a proactive step that changed your career path? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story! If you’d like more guidance, feel free to connect with me directly.

Quote of the Day

"A mind once stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimensions." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Do not do unto others...

...as you would not have done unto you.  The rest is just commentary.  Now, go study the commentary." -- Rabbi Hillel

Dangerous Liasions

Overall: Good

Not Amadeus.  But on the other hand, not Affair of the Necklace either.

Speech

Last night I gave a speech at my local Toastmasters club, and took home for the first time in what seems like forever, the Best Speaker ribbon.

The title of my speech was "What To Do When It's All Too Much".  I just gave a brief overview of some of the techniques I practice when it all gets to be too much and the walls are caving in on me.

The first technique I discussed was the Stop 3 Breath Technique.  At the moment when you feel you're really about to lose it, just stop.  Stop immediately what you're doing.  Close your eyes.  And take 3 deep breaths.  Then continue on with whatever it is that you were doing.

The 2nd thing I described was the 3 step process for when you realize you're facing adversity:

1. Do Something Therapeutic

It can be anything, a guided imagery, going to the beach, praying...

2. Read Something Inspirational or Spiritually Uplifting

3. EXERCISE

That's all there really was to it.  It's not a speech I practiced.  But that is because I didn't feel the need to do so.  And I got some very good feedback on it.  Look forward to posting it on my social media pages.

Theory

A rabbi of mine once had an interesting theory, of which I've elaborated upon over the past few years, as to why Jews, especially those from the East coast/New York area move away from Judaism.

I was having a conversation with my friend Shmuel, and I told him about how I had read The Vanishing American Jew written by Alan Dershowitz.  In it, Mr. Dershowitz talked about a woman he had encountered.  This woman was Jewish by birth, and had grown up in a very typical, conservative Jewish American home.  When she began dating as a teenager, she had no interest in dating any Jewish guys, and eventually married a Catholic man.  Neither her nor her children have any connection whatsoever to Judaism.  When asked why, she answered "To me, growing up, Judaism was nothing more than an old man saying no."

My rabbi, Shmuel recounted to me, said that the essence of Judaism is very soft and tender.  After the Holocaust, the survivors who came here set the tone for a hardened and embittered Judaism.  I believe it started happening even before the Holocaust, with the advent of all the pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe starting at the turn of the last century.

Anyway, the theory is that many of today's Jews who came from this hardened and embittered Jewish environment are still looking for that soft, sweet core that they know in their hearts is there.  And they go looking for it in ashrams, Eastern religions, New Ageism, and (I believe) even in things like Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism --  which all on the surface, appear to have that soft, sweet, tender inner base.

Shabbat Shalom