7 Rules to Build a Career You Actually Love

Most people spend years thinking about their career.

They talk about “someday” finding the right role. They bookmark job ads. They daydream about what it would feel like to finally enjoy their work and get paid well.

But then life creeps in.

Workloads. Self-doubt. Confusion about what the next step should be.

That’s why I want to share this with you today.

These are 7 blunt, battle-tested rules I give to every client. They won’t land you a dream job tomorrow. But they will give you the structure to stop drifting — and start building a career you actually love.

These rules will help you:
- Get clear on what really matters in your career right now
- Spot opportunities before you miss them
- Build relationships that get you hired
- Stay motivated and confident no matter what’s happening in the market

Let’s get into it.

Rule 1: Know what season you’re in

Every stage of your career requires something different. Sometimes it’s money. Other times it’s title, brand name, industry, or work-life balance. Be honest with yourself: are you in a “money season” or a “lifestyle season”? When you know, you can make career moves that fit where you are right now — not where you think you “should” be.

Rule 2: Always know your market worth

You don’t have to be job-hunting every month, but you do need to stay aware of your value. What roles are being created? Which industries are growing? What skills are most in-demand? This knowledge helps you negotiate better, avoid stagnation, and be ready when the right opportunity comes along.

Rule 3: Build your network before you need it

Most people wait until they’re desperate for a job to start networking. Don’t do this. Relationships take time to build. When you invest in your network now, people will think of you first when opportunities come up — often before you even start looking.

Rule 4: Journal your wins every week

Every Friday, take 30 minutes to reflect. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and what you learned. Capture specific results: numbers, feedback, projects finished. Over time, this becomes your “career bible.” It’s priceless when it comes to performance reviews, interviews, or even just tracking how far you’ve come.

Rule 5: Find a mentor

It sounds boring, but it works. Find someone who’s already where you want to be and learn from them. A good mentor gives you perspective, shortcuts your growth, and helps you avoid mistakes they already made. The right guidance can save you years.

Rule 6: Sometimes you have to go back to go forward

Career growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes a salary cut or a lateral move gets you the skills and experiences that accelerate your long-term growth. Don’t be afraid of a temporary step back if it positions you for a leap forward.

Rule 7: Never stop learning

The quickest way to get stuck is to get comfortable. The world is changing fast — AI, new platforms, shifting industries. The best careers belong to people who stay curious, keep learning, and evolve with the market. Even small steps — one course, one podcast, one project — keep you sharp and future-proof.

Most people stay stuck not because they can’t succeed, but because they never learn the rules that actually move a career forward.

Now you have them. The next step is putting them into action.

👉 I’ve got 2 spots left this month in my Creative Career Level Up programme.

This is where I help ambitious Marketing, Creative, and Tech professionals:
✅ Map out their next career move with clarity
✅ Position themselves to land roles at the world’s top brands
✅ Build the confidence and momentum to accelerate faster than they ever could alone

If you’re ready to secure one of the final spots, apply below and let’s get to work.