The Best Inspiring Career Quotes for Teenagers
In search of wisdom on career progression, we've gathered twenty-two profound insights from professionals across the spectrum, including career coaches and community managers. From creating your own opportunities to fearing not and advancing your career, these favorite quotes offer a mosaic of inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to develop their career path.
- Create Your Own Opportunities
- Growth Through Shared Experience
- Avoiding Career Stagnation
- Networking as Your Career's Net Worth
- Passion Fuels Career Satisfaction
- Embrace Risk for Career Gains
- Continuous Learning Climbs Ladders
- Hard Work and Kindness Prevail
- Effort Shapes Career Satisfaction
- Journey Over Destination in Careers
- Excellence Makes You Unignorable
- Risk-Taking Propels Professional Growth
- Challenges Unlock Career Opportunities
- Diligence Outperforms Talent
- Action as the Heart of Career Growth
- Overcome Doubts, Unlock Potential
- Start Small, Achieve Greatness
- Entrepreneurship as a Daring Leap
- Resilience Defines Career Success
- Pursue Happiness in Your Career
- Practical Steps to Career Success
- Fear Not, Advance Career
Create Your Own Opportunities
"Opportunities don't happen; you create them." - Chris Grosser
Be your own advocate, find a mentor, and ask what you can do to develop the skills needed to move up in your company. Take advantage of any courses, workshops, etc., that your company or professional organizations offer. If you know what you want, find out what you need to get there and go after it! You are in control of your own development to further your career.
Lynda Booth, Career Coach, Soulful Search
Growth Through Shared Experience
"Personal and professional growth is how you unlock your potential. Create a more fulfilling and successful life, full of purpose and resilience." - Gallagher
The inspiration for my business and this quote comes from my personal story, which includes the loss of my husband to cancer and a twin to stillbirth, leaving me to raise our other baby and toddler alone.
Once I overcame the initial period of traumatic turmoil, I focused on providing valuable content and resources to help others in their journey toward holistic development. This endeavor has grown from my background in personal development, education, career, recruitment, and business.
I am determined not to be a victim of circumstance and view self-improvement and career development as a journey I share with my readers.
Katharine Gallagher, Founder, Personal and Professional Growth, katharinegallagher.com
Avoiding Career Stagnation
"When you grow up, you tend to get in a rut." - Anon.
This quote is, in my opinion, the best way to describe what happens when people don't develop their careers.
When I was younger, I thought that working hard would lead me to achieve all of my goals and dreams. However, as I got older and had more responsibilities, my job became less fulfilling. It wasn't until recently that I realized that if I wanted to continue to be happy with my work and ensure it was aligned with my personal values and interests, then I needed to make some changes.
This is what led me down the path of career development—and now I'm happier than ever!
Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Co-Founder, Power Your Curls
Networking as Your Career's Net Worth
"Your network is your net worth in the career journey. Cultivate relationships; they are the bridges to opportunities unknown." - Anon.
Building a solid professional network is crucial for advancing one's career. The true goal of networking is building real relationships, not merely amassing contact information. Making these kinds of relationships can help you access resources you wouldn't otherwise have access to, as well as open doors previously closed to you.
It is critical to commit time to cultivating these relationships, attending professional events, and being genuinely interested in others. Colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts often pave the way for the most lucrative career pathways.
Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm
Passion Fuels Career Satisfaction
"Choose a job that you love, and you never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius
This resonates with me because I have been an entrepreneur since my teenage years. I've always been drawn to the marketing industry, particularly SEO. My business, Synup, has expanded from India to the USA, where it is now headquartered.
Additionally, I founded Local SEO Checklist, an information-based website that assists companies with their local search efforts. Entrepreneurship and marketing are not for everyone, but for those with a calling, it's incredibly rewarding. My passion for business and SEO feels less like work and more like a thrilling journey of learning, adapting, and helping other businesses succeed.
Ashwin Ramesh, CEO, Local SEO Checklist
Embrace Risk for Career Gains
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky.
It's a personal reminder for me that I can only achieve my goals if I take chances and opportunities. In my experience, success often stems from one's willingness to take calculated risks and explore uncharted territories. Playing it safe might seem like a more comfortable option, but it won't lead to innovation or career growth.
So, I embrace the philosophy of taking shots, learning from each attempt, and constantly adapting to navigate the dynamic landscape of my career.
Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, JohannesLarsson.com
Continuous Learning Climbs Ladders
“The rungs of continuous learning are what help people climb the ladder of career success. Every new skill, insight, and experience propels you upward.” - Anon.
The key to climbing the corporate ladder is never stopping to learn anything new. Maintaining relevance in today's work environment necessitates a dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. A combination of classroom instruction, independent study, on-the-job experience, and mentoring programs could be the answer.
Each new skill or piece of knowledge not only makes you more competent but also more versatile and valued in your field. This approach to advancing one's career emphasizes anticipating rather than responding to changes in one's field.
Tim Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.
Hard Work and Kindness Prevail
"If you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen." - Conan O'Brien
This quote says it all. I've even seen a shortened saying, "Work hard. Be nice." that I feel is the key to developing as both a person and a career-driven professional. The harder you work and the nicer you are to those around you, the more likely people will want to mentor you and take you under their wing.
Chris B., PR Rep, Minuteman Press International
Effort Shapes Career Satisfaction
"I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything." - Jon Stewart
If you're serious about career development and always exceeding your own expectations, then you have to try as much as you can and always be willing to learn new things. I like this quote because a lot of your career development depends on the effort you put into it. Of course, opportunities can arise, but most of the time, you have to strive for what you want and not wait for it to appear in front of you.
You want to look back and feel satisfied that you did everything in your power to make your career dreams a reality. If not, you could be left with a lot of regret, and it makes it tougher to continue to pursue and accomplish your goals.
Meghan Freed, Managing Co-Partner, Freed Marcroft
Journey Over Destination in Careers
“It's not the destination, but the journey that matters.” - Om Swami
Most professionals are seeking the dream job. They land it (or get pretty darn close) and realize it's not what they thought it would be. Instead of focusing so much on where you're going, reflect on the road you're taking, detours and all. That's where the lessons lie.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Texas General Insurance
Excellence Makes You Unignorable
"Be so good they can't ignore you." - Steve Martin
The quote is attributed to Steve Martin, but it applies to any area of life where you want to progress and stand out in your marketplace or workplace. Being good is easy. But being so good that people can't ignore you? That's the secret sauce.
Lewis Vandervalk, Owner, Blue Crocus Solutions
Risk-Taking Propels Professional Growth
"The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks." - Mark Zuckerberg,
This quote emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change for career development. Playing it safe and avoiding risks can lead to missed opportunities. Taking calculated risks allows individuals to discover new opportunities, learn from failures, and achieve personal and professional growth.
For example, someone may choose to leave a stable job to start their own business, taking the risk of financial instability but gaining valuable entrepreneurial skills and potential success. By choosing to take risks, individuals demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and evolve in their careers.
Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company
Challenges Unlock Career Opportunities
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein.
This resonates deeply with my journey in the digital marketing world. In this fast-paced industry, challenges are frequent, but each obstacle has been a gateway to innovation and growth. For instance, when a campaign strategy failed, instead of viewing it as a setback, I saw it as a chance to learn and innovate.
This perspective shift led to the development of more resilient and practical strategies, turning potential failures into stepping stones. This quote encapsulates the essence of career development: embracing challenges as opportunities to evolve, an integral philosophy in shaping my professional path.
Daniel Bunn, Founder and Director, DB IT
Diligence Outperforms Talent
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” - Tim Notke
This quote sums up a timeless truth that extends seamlessly into the realm of career success. While inherent talent is undoubtedly an asset, true potential is only realized through persistent and dedicated effort. In the professional world, you can be brilliant, but if this brilliance is not coupled with diligence and an unwavering work ethic, you will ultimately fail.
Exceptional skills might provide a head start on the path to career success, but it's the relentless commitment to improvement, resilience in the face of challenges, and an insatiable appetite for learning that truly propels people forward in their careers. The most accomplished individuals in any field often attribute their success not solely to their talent but to their relentless pursuit of excellence through hard work.
Suzanne Ricci, Chief Success Officer, Computer Coach Training Center
Action as the Heart of Career Growth
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” - Walt Disney
As a CEO, it encapsulates the essence of proactive leadership and the importance of taking tangible steps in career development. It resonates with the dynamic nature of our industry, emphasizing action over mere contemplation.
In the fast-paced world of publishing, embracing this mindset fuels innovation, propelling both personal and organizational growth. It's a reminder that success stems not just from strategic planning but from the grit and determination to turn plans into reality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Young Pham, Founder and Project Manager, Biz Report
Overcome Doubts, Unlock Potential
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt for career development. Doubts can hinder progress and hold individuals back from pursuing opportunities or taking risks. By recognizing and addressing these doubts, individuals can unlock their full potential and strive for success.
For instance, imagine a professional who always doubted their ability to pitch new ideas at work due to fear of rejection. Over time, this individual may miss out on opportunities for growth and innovation. However, by acknowledging and challenging these doubts, they can build confidence, improve their skills, and become more influential in their organization.
Thus, conquering doubts is crucial to career development as it empowers individuals to take bold steps, expand their horizons, and achieve greater success.
Roy Lau, Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage
Start Small, Achieve Greatness
“You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar
I love this quote because it emphasizes the importance of taking that first step toward your goals. It's a reminder that everyone begins somewhere, and it's the journey of continuous improvement that leads to greatness. In the real estate world, every sale, every client interaction, is a step forward. It's a motivational reminder to embrace the learning process and keep pushing toward success.
Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative and Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
Entrepreneurship as a Daring Leap
"An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down." - Reid Hoffman
This resonates deeply with me because starting a business is indeed like taking a leap of faith. You don't have all the parts of the plane ready; you figure it out as you go along. When I began my journey, there were many unknowns and uncertainties. However, the determination to build something of my own and the relentless pursuit of solutions turned the many challenges into stepping stones for growth.
David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder and Marketing Head, Sticker It
Resilience Defines Career Success
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
This quote encapsulates the essence of career development by emphasizing resilience and perseverance. In the ever-evolving landscape of one's professional journey, setbacks are inevitable. Just like Winston Churchill said, success isn't the end, and failures aren't either. Churchill's words inspire a mindset that views success as a never-ending journey where individuals keep learning and improving. Failures and learnings, followed by hard work, eventually lead to success!
Stay away from complacency in success and offer solace in times of failure. Embracing this perspective fosters a resilient spirit essential for overcoming obstacles in the workplace while making room for improvement and learning.
Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy UK
Pursue Happiness in Your Career
"Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” - Paulo Coelho.
In the demanding industry of video editing, finding joy in what you do is crucial. It's not just about the technical skills; it's about the passion and satisfaction that come with creating compelling visual stories.
When you're genuinely happy with your work, it not only enhances your creativity but also positively impacts the quality of the final product. This quote serves as a constant reminder for me and my team to pursue projects that bring fulfillment, ensuring that our careers are not just about success but also about personal happiness in the creative journey.
Daniel Willmott, Founder, Shortformvideo.co
Practical Steps to Career Success
"Be useful, be dependable, be engaged; this will get you into most places and ahead of 90% of people." - Anon.
Originating from my first manager in the insurance industry, it transcends the common narrative of climbing the corporate ladder. It suggests that, in a world fixated on talent and competition, consistently being useful and reliable can set you apart—success isn't solely about climbing Everest but being indispensable at base camp.
This advice aligns with the saying, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." It emphasizes that the bar is often set low. Amid mediocrity, consistency, usefulness, and a genuine willingness to help others can catch the eye of the right people, championing a more sustainable career approach.
The second invaluable piece of advice is, "Always ask the question." In a world where imposter syndrome hinders progress, it encourages overcoming reservations and actively seeking knowledge. Asking questions not only shows engagement but also reflects a commitment to personal and professional growth.
In the context of seeking assistance or opportunities, this advice gains significance. By embodying the principles of being useful, dependable, and engaged, individuals earn the right to ask questions and seek support. Consistently proving value makes others more inclined to reciprocate and extend a helping hand.
These two pieces of advice encapsulate a pragmatic approach to career development, emphasizing consistency, genuine engagement, and the courage to seek knowledge and assistance when needed. Reflecting on my journey, I find solace in the simplicity of these principles, realizing that success is about the meaningful steps taken along the way, not just reaching the summit.
Luke Perkins, Commercial Director, Gambit Partners
Fear Not, Advance Career
“Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth
Fear of failure often holds people back from trying new things or pursuing opportunities. However, taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for professional development.
With the above-mentioned quote in mind, I treat every mistake as a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth. I don't feel down because of failures or potential obstacles. Instead, I view setbacks as a natural part of the journey to achieving success. Such an attitude helps me remain positive and focused on my long-term goals.
By "playing the game" despite the fear of failure, I seize new opportunities, learn, and grow in my career.
Agata Szczepanek, Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
