How NOT to approach your career progression

You’re mid-career in tech and feeling restless and it's no fun.

Why have you plateaued and how do you get to the next level?

You don’t stall because you’re not capable.
You stall because of how you’re playing the game.

And most of us? We’re playing it on hard mode without even noticing.

10 ways to shoot yourself in the foot

1. Dive into tasks with zero plan.

2. Say yes to everything like you’re still trying to “earn your seat.”

3. Pretend you don’t have limits on energy and focus.

4. Carry the load solo because “asking for help” feels weak.

5. Stick to what you already know because it’s safe.

6. Avoid asking for mentorship or guidance.

7. Let meetings run your calendar (and your brain).

8. Stay quiet when decisions are being made.

9. Keep your best ideas in your drafts folder.

10. Assume someone else will magically notice your contributions.

Ouch.

No wonder it feels like you’re working twice as hard just to stay in place.

10 ways to actually move forward

1. Decide what matters most and do that first.

2. Say yes on purpose — not to prove you belong.

3. Treat your energy and focus like assets, not afterthoughts.

4. Build support, collaborate, stop lone-wolfing it.

5. Take on challenges that make you sweat a little.

6. Ask for guidance and mentorship - it’s not weakness, it’s leverage.

7. Control your calendar, or it’ll control you.

8. Put yourself in the room where decisions get done.

9. Say your ideas out loud. Yes, even the half-baked ones.

10. Make your impact visible — don’t sit around waiting for a gold star.

Career progression isn’t about being busier.
It’s about being seen, heard, and taken seriously.

Stop assuming impact speaks for itself - it doesn’t.

You’re not here to coast.
You’re here to move.

And some people won't know what's coming.

- Atty

Big careers don’t build themselves. → Start with a call. https://attycronin.com/intro-call