I’m 30 and these are my five big career regrets from my 20s – don’t make the same mistakes I did

An Australian worker has revealed the biggest career regret she's had since her 20s – and warned others against making the same mistakes.

Kim James30, who works in the technology industry, shared her tips for workers entering the job market and what they need to know before accepting a role.

The professional often shares advice from her career, including how to spot warning signs in managers.

Ms James said her 'biggest regret' was becoming a people manager too young, followed by 'waiting' for better jobs, fear of calling in sick and not knowing job success rates.

“Your twenties are about you and your development – ​​not about developing others,” she said in a video, referring to a manager's core job.

Career advice for your twenties

Don't become a manager, but focus on your own growth and development

Don't stay in a job waiting for things to get better; you always have to learn or grow

Take sick days when you are sick and put your health before your work

During the interview process, ask for clear success metrics for a role

Investigate compensation based on market rates and don't settle for less

Ms. James also regrets staying in a role and waiting for things to get better because she was just stagnant at that point.

“If you're not learning or growing, go somewhere you want,” she advised.

Many Australians feel guilty about calling in sick because they fear 'betraying' their team – but Ms James claimed it was essential to get past the guilt.

“Honestly, if you get hit by a bus tomorrow, they can still find out — so if you have a cold, you can take that sick day,” she said.

Ms James claimed it was important to discuss success metrics during the interview stage.

“I would never again take on a role without clear success metrics because you can't negotiate your salary without knowing what success looks like,” she explained.

The final piece of advice was to research pay based on comparable positions on the market and make sure you don't settle for less than you deserve.

“I spent too many years following exactly what the company told me and not preparing my own compensation,” Ms. James said.

Kim James, 30, who works in the tech industry, has shared her tips for workers entering the job market and what they need to know before accepting a role

Kim James, 30, who works in the tech industry, has shared her tips for workers entering the job market and what they need to know before accepting a role