They say that age is just a number.
That is true. In a numerical sense.
Practically speaking, age is so much more than a number. You’re a lot different today than you were five or ten years ago. With age comes experience, confidence and wisdom. But sometimes, it can also come with comfort and stability. How long have you worked at your current employer? When was the last time you went on an interview?
When you’re just starting out, you have to take advantage of every opportunity. Go on every interview. Sell yourself at all times. That is, until you land the job you’ve always wanted. Then you can relax a little. Maybe you’ve relaxed a lot.
However, when you see young people coming into your workplace and impressing people with their fresh ideas and go-getter attitudes, you might be feeling a little, well, old.
So how do you stay relevant in the digital world, which also happens to be one of the most rapidly changing industries? We’ve included our secrets to long-lasting success below!
Move Outside Your Comfort Zone
The worst thing you can do is turn down new ideas to stay within your comfort zone. Be open to change, but don’t be afraid to make suggestions with the tried-and-true approaches you’ve seen work time and time again.
To get better at moving beyond what’s familiar to you, start in your personal life. Sign up for that spinning class your friend is always begging you to try. Coach your son’s baseball team. Join a glassblowing class. The pressure won’t be on like it is at the workplace, and you might find you enjoy learning new things!
Keep Your Mind Sharp
Avoid having the “been there, done that” attitude. This will make you sound old! Keep current with the latest digital trends by reading online articles, listening to podcasts and attending online workshops.
Since you might be too tired to read articles or update your LinkedIn profile at home, put your breaks to good use. Do crossword puzzles, word finds or Sudoku puzzles to relax and recharge. When your mind is sharp, you’re more open to creativity and innovation.
Grow Your Networking Opportunities
Take the time to attend a few conventions or trade shows this year. Not only do they provide the opportunity to learn about digital trends, but also you can grow your network to advance your career.
Don’t forget your online presence, too. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Set up an Instagram page for your accomplishments. Create Pinterest boards to organize information.
Be Confident in Your Deliverables
Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you are any less valuable. Sure, you might not have graduated from design school yesterday, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t familiar with the latest web design trends. Plus you have the experience.
The only person that can stop you from moving forward is you. When applying for a new job or position, demonstrate your worth by sharing your skills, knowledge and experience. Be excited for new opportunities – even when they’re coming from someone younger.
If there’s one thing that ages faster than us humans, it’s web design trends. Rather than looking at yourself as behind on the times, keep updated on the latest trends by researching and reading online articles, participating in workshops and attending networking events. This fresh information, coupled with your experience, will keep you relevant in the digital world.
