Do Over

1. Build a Career Savings Account (CSA) with Relationships, Skills, Character, and Hustle.

Though we often prefer to blame others or the economy or a boss who doesn’t “get us,” the reality is that a better job begins with building a better you.

The CSA Framework. The Career Savings Account (CSA) is a framework for intentionally building a fulfilling career. It consists of four key investments: Relationships (who you know), Skills (what you do), Character (who you are), and Hustle (how you work). A better job begins with building a better you.

Each investment is crucial. Neglecting any one investment hinders the potential of the others. For example, strong relationships and skills are wasted without the drive of hustle. Similarly, character flaws can undermine even the most impressive skills and connections.

Simple Formula. The Career Savings Account (CSA) is a simple formula: (Gang + Awesome + Nice) × Grind = Career Savings Account. The investments are so obvious you just might miss them. The balloon animal guy certainly did with me that night in the field.

2. Master the Four Types of Career Transitions: Jump, Bump, Ceiling, and Opportunity.

Every one of us will experience a Career Jump, a Career Bump, Career Ceiling or Career Opportunity.

Navigating Career Changes. Everyone faces career transitions, whether voluntary or involuntary, positive or negative. These transitions fall into four categories: Career Jumps (voluntary, positive), Career Bumps (involuntary, negative), Career Ceilings (voluntary, negative), and Career Opportunities (involuntary, positive).

Skills, Relationships, Character, and Hustle. The solution to all four questions is the same: We build a Career Savings Account. Each investment in the CSA is particularly relevant to navigating a specific type of transition. Skills help break through Career Ceilings, relationships provide support during Career Bumps, character guides Career Jumps, and hustle maximizes Career Opportunities.

Career Transitions. Careers are only difficult because they are constantly changing and we are not. We tend to hate change, despite the benefits it offers, and ignore it, deny it, or fight it and become stuck. It’s time to change the way we look at our careers.

3. Relationships: Cultivate Your Network for Support and Opportunities.

It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.

Relationships are key. Relationships are the foundation for career success. They provide access to opportunities, support during challenges, and valuable insights. It’s not what you know, but who you know.

Casual relationships matter. Don't underestimate the power of casual connections. Boomerang relationships, those that fade in and out of your life, can unexpectedly lead to new opportunities. Throw as many boomerangs as possible.

Give and take. Nurture your network by offering help and support to others. Be a first responder, answering calls and emails promptly. Own the inconvenience of being friends.

4. Skills: Sharpen Existing Abilities and Acquire New Ones to Stay Relevant.

Everybody wants to be somebody: Nobody wants to grow.

Skills are essential. Skills are the tools you use to build your career. They bridge the gap between amateur and expert, leading to higher earnings and greater opportunities. Skills are the bridge between amateur and expert. You know who makes more money, gets more promotions and owns multiple belts, not the brown-on-one-side, black-on-the-other-side combo belt I own? Experts.

Continuous learning is key. The job market is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay current by sharpening existing skills and acquiring new ones. Never become a dinosaur.

Embrace the learning process. Don't be afraid to be a beginner. Approach new skills with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

5. Character: Let Integrity Be the Foundation of Your Career.

A talent is formed in stillness, a character in the world’s torrent.

Character is paramount. Character is the mortar that holds your Career Savings Account together. It encompasses your values, integrity, and ethical principles. Character is the mortar between all the other parts of the Career Savings Account. It’s what holds the other things together.

Character traits. Cultivate key character traits such as generosity, empathy, and presence. These traits will not only enhance your career but also enrich your personal life.

Character is a competitive advantage. In a world where skills can be easily acquired, character sets you apart. It's the reason people want to work with you, trust you, and support you.

6. Hustle: Fuel Your Career with Grit, Awareness, and Flexibility.

Music is in the piano only when it is played.

Hustle amplifies everything. Hustle is the fuel that drives your career forward. It multiplies the impact of your relationships, skills, and character. Hustle is simply shorthand for “work hard.”

Grit is essential. Grit is the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks. It's a choice, not a feeling. Grit is a choice, not a feeling. Don’t wait until you feel brave to hustle. Choose to hustle until you feel brave.

Awareness and flexibility are key. Hustle effectively by being aware of your limitations and adapting to changing circumstances. Hustle has seasons: Use awareness to recognize them.

7. Overcome Fear and Complacency to Achieve a Career Do-Over.

We are afraid of the unknown. We grow stuck in the known.

Fear and complacency are enemies. Fear and complacency are the two biggest obstacles to career reinvention. They can paralyze you, preventing you from taking action and pursuing your dreams.

Acknowledge and address fear. Recognize that fear is a natural part of the process. Don't let it control you. Instead, confront your fears and take small steps forward.

Break free from complacency. Avoid settling for a "fine" life. Challenge yourself to grow, learn, and pursue your passions.

8. Embrace Generosity and Empathy to Build Stronger Connections.

Service is renewing. When we serve, our work itself will sustain us.

Generosity fosters loyalty. Being generous with your time, skills, and resources creates strong bonds and fosters loyalty. Generosity is a Game Changer.

Empathy builds understanding. Understanding and acting on the needs of others is essential for building meaningful relationships. Empathy, No Longer Just for People Who Like to Cry with Friends.

Give more than you take. Focus on providing value to others, and you'll be surprised by what you receive in return.

9. Be Present: Focus on the Task at Hand and Value Human Interactions.

It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.

Presence is a gift. In a world of constant distractions, being fully present is a rare and valuable skill. Be Present.

Minimize distractions. Put away your phone, close your laptop, and focus on the person or task in front of you. Be Present.

Value human connection. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations.

10. Plant an Orchard: Cultivate Character Traits for Long-Term Success.

The future is purchased by the present.

Character is a long-term investment. Building character takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Plant an Orchard.

Focus on growth. Identify character traits you want to develop and work on them consistently. Plant an Orchard.

Pull the weeds. Address negative character traits that are holding you back. Plant an Orchard.

Last updated: March 16, 2025