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After more than a decade working in CX and the digital industry, I’ve learned so many important lessons the painful way.

And while it was tough at the time, I survived and am grateful for these experiences as they’ve made me so much stronger.

To grow as a CX professional, you’ll also need to learn these lessons at some point in your journey – so let me save you the time, heartache and money! My hindsight can be your path forward. 

Here are 3 of the hardest lessons you’ll need to learn as a digital professional and how to avoid them. 

1. You can’t do everything alone

Not asking for help is the most tiring and ineffective way to embrace your career. 

The digital industry is expanding at a whirlwind pace. Even during my career, progress has been impressive. Trends come and go, but there’s also a never-ending learning curve. Keeping up with digital changes is the reason I regularly show up on social networks, my podcast and by writing blogs like this one.

But the thing is… even though I started on my own in front of a computer – and this is still where I spend most of my time – I could never have built the expertise I have alone.

You can learn anything on the internet for free, which is wonderful. But don’t try to be an expert in too many topics. It’s unnecessary, a lot of pressure and confusing for businesses.

You often see hiring managers looking for a unicorn with five feet – individuals that can handle all a company’s challenges. But this is the wrong approach. Businesses that don’t embrace complexity can’t prioritise their needs. 

So don’t fall into this trap! Find the experts around you, perhaps by asking for referrals from acquaintances or connecting with people on LinkedIn, and build a strong network you can lean on when you need help or advice. 

2. Nobody has the ultimate solution

When I finally realised that the people around me didn’t have it all figured out, it was the best news ever. Most digital professionals have to wing it at some points in their career – and that’s OK. There’s no certainty in the world of technology. What works for some people doesn’t work for others.

This is why practise is so important: because progress is so fast that no-one can really keep up. It’s also important to note that moving forward in the digital industry is all about people. 

And above all, being assertive and taking the initiative are key. Everyone can have good ideas, no matter their level of expertise or the studies they’ve done. So forget imposter syndrome: there’s room for anyone who wants to take action in this world.

3. Take care of yourself

The constant pace, challenges, resistance towards change and problem-solving mindsets that are part and parcel with collaborating with very different people often make it super hard to prioritise your own self-care.

I burned out 7 years ago and it was awful. The worst experience of my life. And yet it led to a necessary transformation I’m grateful for. The healing process made me stronger and opened my eyes to the respect I should have for myself and my ambitions.

It was a long recovery process. But since that moment, I’ve cared so much more for my mind and body. I set up simple routines to keep my batteries recharged. And after 7 years, they’re not perfect – and never will be – but I take care of myself a lot better now and have seen more success in my career as a result. 

I don’t want you to waste too much time trying to be a perfect, super-competitive digital CX professional, so I really do hope this blog helps you to understand parts of the crazy journey you can avoid taking. Let me know the toughest lessons you’ve experienced by connecting with me on social media. You can find me on LinkedIn and Instagram. And I’d love you to sign up for my podcast, too!