Your Career is Your Responsibility: How to Advocate for Growth Without Sounding Entitled

For the first few years of my career, I thought I was doing everything right.

I worked hard.

I delivered results.

I kept my head down and stayed loyal.

I assumed someone would notice.

That someone would reward me.

That someone would give me a shot at something bigger.

But here's the truth: no one’s coming to save you.

Not because you’re not talented or valuable.

But because you weren’t clear.

Your Manager is Not a Mind Reader

Your performance won’t always speak for itself.

Loyalty without direction doesn’t automatically lead to promotion.

And ambition kept quiet often turns into frustration.

If you want more responsibility, more money, or a bigger seat at the table you need to say it.

Out loud.

To the right people.

With clarity and intention.

But before you go charging into your next 1:1 with a wishlist of titles and raises, let me offer a word of caution: don’t confuse ambition with entitlement.

You’re not owed anything.

Your career is a reflection of opportunities earned, not given.

This isn’t about demanding more it’s about aligning your ambition with action.

5 Steps to Proactively Own Your Career Conversation

Over the last 20+ years of my career, these five steps have helped me and countless leaders I’ve coached have meaningful, productive career conversations:

1. Schedule a Dedicated 1:1

Don’t just drop it in passing.

Set the tone for a focused, intentional discussion around your career growth. Signal that this conversation matters.

2. Get Clear on What You Want

Do you want a promotion? A role change? More strategic responsibility?

Be specific. If you’re unclear, your leader will be too.

3. Connect Your Goals to Business Impact

Make it bigger than you.

Demonstrate how your growth will help the business grow. That’s how you create buy-in.

4. Ask for Feedback

What gaps do they see?

What would it take for you to earn that next opportunity?

Be open, curious, and coachable.

5. Follow Up with a Plan

Recap the conversation.

Outline your next steps.

Show you’re serious about growth not just hoping for it.

One of the leaders I advise used this exact playbook with their CEO.

It completely shifted the dynamic building trust, alignment, and momentum in a matter of weeks.

Final Thought: No One Cares About Your Career More Than You Do

Your career is YOUR responsibility.

Sit in the driver's seat.

Do the work.

Own the outcome whatever that ends up being.

Waiting around for someone to notice you is a strategy… but not a good one.

If you want more, say so.

Then go earn it.