South Africans biggest career regrets revealed - what are yours?

Relebogile Mabotja asked listeners, 'If you could go back in your career and fix your mistakes, what would they be?'

According to a 2017 study conducted in the UK, 75% of people said they would choose to start a whole new career if given the chance.

Almost half admitted making a career move in the past that they then regretted.

The survey revealed the Top 5 career mistakes people felt they had made:

1. Moving to a company they ended up not liking (45.8%)
2. Not quitting previous job sooner (29.4%)
3. Not going for a promotion when given the chance (27.1%)
4. Starting out in chosen career later in life (26.7%)
5. Leaving a company they really liked (22.5%)

So, how many of these career regrets do YOU relate to?

This week, 702's Relebogile Mabotja posed the following question to listeners, 'If you could go back in your career and fix your mistakes, what would they be?'

The question was prompted by a post on X by South African businessman Khandani Msibi in which he noted the four career mistakes he would fix if he could go back in time.

"I'm turning 50 this year, the one thing I regret is not pursuing my dream career."

Anonymous, 702 listener

"I wish I had changed jobs more often and been more intentional about career growth."

Ompile, 702 listener

Some listeners chose to share their career advice to help others avoid the mistakes they had made.

One listener described navigating the corporate world as a skill in itself, adding 'you need to know how to play the game'.

"Be helpful. Volunteer for things that have nothing to do with your job scope. Like if there are committees in the company, you need to be involved in company events."

Lucy, Randburg - 702 Listener

Lwasi messaged in with a word of warning for those who trust too easily in the workplace...

"Just remember that not everybody at work has your interests at heart."

Lwasi, 702 listener