The ghosts and ghouls aren’t the only things that can haunt you this season—career missteps can be just as frightening. Whether it’s cobwebs in your résumé, a vanished network, or getting too cozy in your comfort zone, every professional faces their share of “monsters.”
The good news? With a little awareness and action, you can keep your career alive and thriving. Here are some of the scariest AEC career mistakes—and how to banish them for good.
Ghosting Your Network
The Problem:
You only reach out to colleagues or contacts when you need something—whether it’s a reference, a lead, or a new opportunity. Over time, those relationships fade like ghosts, and reconnecting can feel awkward or insincere.
The Solution:
Nurture your professional relationships year-round. Comment on peers’ posts, share helpful insights, or grab coffee to catch up. Attend networking events or association meetings to stay visible and engaged. A strong network is like a safety net—it’s most effective when built before you need it.
The Zombie Routine
The Problem:
You’ve fallen into the same routine year after year—doing your job well but without growth or new challenges. You’re stuck in “career autopilot,” and it’s draining your motivation.
The Solution:
Reignite your passion by learning something new. Enroll in a certification course, join a committee, or mentor an apprentice. Engaging with your professional community can breathe new life into your work and open doors to leadership opportunities.
The Disappearing Act
The Problem:
You’re doing great work, but no one knows about it. You avoid self-promotion, assume your results speak for themselves, or shy away from the spotlight. Unfortunately, when you vanish from visibility, opportunities tend to disappear with you.
The Solution:
Showcase your contributions proudly. Update your portfolio or LinkedIn profile, submit projects for awards, or speak at an industry event. Sharing your story isn’t bragging—it’s building credibility. Visibility creates momentum and reminds others of the value you bring.
The Curse of the Comfort Zone
The Problem:
You play it safe, avoiding new projects or leadership roles that stretch your skills. While it feels secure, staying too long in the comfort zone can quietly stall your career progress.
The Solution:
Say yes to the things that challenge you, even if they make you nervous. Take on a complex project, lead a team meeting, or learn a new technology. Growth happens when you face discomfort head-on—and every “scary” step builds confidence for the next.
Fear, uncertainty, and change are all part of professional growth. The key is not to eliminate fear—but to act despite it. Every successful professional in the AEC world has faced intimidating challenges, from managing multimillion-dollar projects to presenting to stakeholders.
Remember: bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward anyway. So this Halloween, take stock of your own “career frights” and turn them into opportunities for growth.
Because the only thing scarier than failure… is not trying at all.
