Strategies to Advance Your Career and Income
This article is based on insights from over 400 interviews featured in the Millionaire Interviews section of ESI Money. These firsthand accounts provide real-life examples of people advancing their careers to build wealth and achieve financial success. From navigating workplace dynamics to making strategic decisions, their advice offers practical steps and proven strategies drawn directly from their experiences.
It's often portrayed that true wealth comes only from starting a business and having others work for you. While entrepreneurship is one path, the reality is that most people build wealth through traditional careers. If entrepreneurship isn't your path, don't worry. Building wealth through a well-paying job is entirely achievable - despite what those social media "finfluencers" might say. With the right strategies, you can grow your income and shape a financially secure future built on your career.
Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to growing career-related income - it varies greatly depending on the person, industry, and employer. However, some strategies prove effective across a range of careers and situations.

Play the Game
1. Understand Workplace Dynamics
In the corporate world, success often depends on understanding and navigating relationships, especially with your boss. Promotions, raises, and prime opportunities aren't always based purely on merit or performance - they're often influenced by how well you align with the people in power. Like it or not, favoritism is a factor.
If your boss likes you, everything becomes easier. If they don't, you're swimming upstream. Does this mean bending over backward or being fake? Not at all. It's about making their life easier and being someone they can rely on. Understand what they value in a team member and align with it.
We could go as far as to say it's completely driven by nepotism, but if we view it as human nature to surround ourselves with those we know and trust, it doesn't seem quite so cynical.
2. Be Likeable
Being likable is one of the most underrated yet impactful traits for career success. People naturally gravitate toward those who are friendly, cooperative, and pleasant to work with. This doesn't mean being a pushover - it means treating everyone with respect and avoiding being a jerk.
Co-workers, managers, and even those you supervise today could be the very people who open doors for you tomorrow. Your reputation as someone easy to work with can follow you - and benefit you - throughout your career.
3. Become Indispensable
It might sound cliché or like something a manager would say for their own benefit, but being a hard worker is one of the best ways to accelerate your career. Especially early on, say yes to opportunities and actively seek ways to go above and beyond. Learn everything you can about your job and take ownership of your responsibilities. The more you know, the more valuable you become to your employer.
Build a reputation as someone who delivers results. Take on challenging projects, solve difficult problems, and step in where others hesitate. Being the "fixer" for high-stakes tasks earns trust and visibility, putting you on the fast track for promotions. Consistently delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and solving problems without being asked will make you the person everyone relies on when it counts most.
Standing out requires more than just meeting expectations. Stepping outside your job description and taking initiative demonstrates leadership potential and sets you apart. This isn't easy - it takes hard work, sacrifices, and sometimes tackling things others avoid. But the more you take on, the more you learn. The earlier you encounter challenges and even failures, the faster you grow and the sooner you're prepared to lead.
Put in the effort early in your career when you have the energy and flexibility to take risks. It's much easier to make sacrifices when you're younger. By laying the groundwork now, you'll reap the benefits of your hard work and reputation for years to come.
4. Work at the Next Level
If you want to move to the next level in your career, start working at that level before you get the title. Promotions often go to those who already demonstrate they are ready for the role. Show that you understand not just your job but also your boss's responsibilities and the broader context of the team or company. Knowing how your role fits into the bigger picture positions you as someone who can take on more.
Independence is key. Being a self-starter who can execute with little direction proves you're ready for the next step. Managers notice when you take initiative, solve problems, and deliver results without constant oversight. Acting like you're already at the next level signals to decision-makers that you're capable and prepared to step into that role officially.
If you're aiming for a promotion, embody the role you want. Take on responsibilities at that level, demonstrate the necessary skills, and consistently deliver results. Over time, this approach builds trust and confidence in your abilities, making it easier for others to see you as a natural fit for the promotion you're seeking. Work at the level you want, and often the role will follow.
Build a Strong Network
Relationships are the cornerstone of career success. Networking matters because opportunities often arise when you're not in the room. The people you know - and the ones who know you - can open doors you didn't even realize existed.
Networking doesn't have to feel transactional - it can be as simple as staying in touch with former bosses, coworkers, customers, and others who have witnessed your work. At the same time, it's crucial to continually expand your network by building new connections. Meeting new people introduces fresh perspectives and opens the door to opportunities you might not have anticipated.
Society operates on connections - the more people you know who can link you to resources and opportunities, the greater your chances of success.
Several interviewees emphasized how mentorship and maintaining professional connections led to unexpected opportunities. Never underestimate the power of a warm recommendation or a helpful tip from someone in your circle.
The Importance of Mentorship
Finding a mentor was frequently mentioned as a game-changer. Mentors can offer guidance, advocate for you in key discussions, and provide insights you might not have access to otherwise. Many interviewees shared stories of how mentors helped them navigate career challenges or take advantage of hidden opportunities.
Strategic Job Changes for Income Growth
Switching companies is one of the quickest ways to give your income a meaningful boost. Staying in the same role or organization too long often limits your salary to small, incremental raises. On the other hand, moving to a new company or entering a higher-paying industry lets you negotiate a stronger starting salary, which sets the tone for future earnings.
If you prefer staying with one organization, you can still increase your income by seeking internal promotions or changing roles. However, this often means going above and beyond to showcase your value. Whether you choose to stay or move, being strategic about your career steps can have a big impact on your financial growth.

Median year-over-year pay increase gap between job switchers and job stayers. Source: ADP Research.
The keyword is strategic. Don't jump ship just to gain a slight salary bump or you may be perceived as unreliable or lacking direction. Instead, aim to outgrow your current skill set and transition into roles that offer professional growth and new challenges. Always leave your current position on good terms - a former colleague or manager could one day become a key connection for future opportunities.
Follow the Money
No matter where you are in your career, understanding where the money flows in your industry can make a significant difference. Start by researching the long-term income potential of your field. If you're in a historically low-paying industry, such as food service, it may be worth considering a shift to a more lucrative sector. This might mean committing to a role you're not passionate about for a while, putting in the effort to save and invest, and eventually transitioning to a career you genuinely enjoy - regardless of its pay.
If you've already entered a higher-paying industry or employer, pay attention to where the money is going. Look for areas where large investments are being made, where margins are highest, or which products and services drive revenue. Position yourself as a critical contributor to those high-impact business units. Becoming indispensable to the company's key revenue streams ensures not only job security but also opportunities for growth and higher compensation.
Ultimately, your career path may come down to a choice: pursuing work you love, even if it doesn't pay as well, or committing to a high-paying career you're less passionate about. Neither is right or wrong - it's about aligning your strategy with your goals. Whether it's maximizing earnings now to afford freedom later or finding a career that brings long-term fulfillment, following the money is about taking control of your financial and professional destiny.
Advocate for Yourself
If you are waiting for someone to notice your hard work and reward you, you might be waiting a long time. Many interviewees shared regrets about not negotiating earlier in their careers, while others recounted securing significant raises by proactively presenting their accomplishments and salary research. Being your own advocate is essential for career growth.
You can't be a passive participant in your career if you want to maximize earnings. Most employers won't offer more than the minimum they feel is necessary, and too many people fail to advocate strongly for themselves. It's often hard to recognize your full value, which leads many to sell themselves short.
Prepare a strong case for raises or promotions by documenting your achievements and their impact on the company. Track before-and-after results to make your contributions tangible and credible. Quantifiable data is powerful in showing your value.
Research industry salary benchmarks to understand your worth, and don't hesitate to ask for what you deserve. Take charge of your career by speaking up and ensuring your compensation reflects your contributions. A well-timed and respectful negotiation can dramatically change the trajectory of your career.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
A recurring theme in nearly all interviews is the importance of continually upgrading your skills. This goes beyond formal education - it's about staying adaptable to the changing demands of your field. Many large companies offer or sponsor training programs, and online courses provide accessible ways to learn new technologies, acquire certifications, or explore different areas of expertise.
Regularly investing in yourself keeps you marketable and opens doors to better opportunities. Experience and knowledge, much like money, operate on a flywheel effect: they compound over time. The more you learn and apply, the greater your career momentum becomes.
Conclusion
Most people approach their work as just a job - a way to pay the bills and get by. But if you treat it like a career, the game changes. When you care about the results you deliver, think long-term, and put in just a little more effort to master your craft or expand your skills, you set yourself apart. Combine this with being a genuine, trustworthy person who builds meaningful connections, and you will find yourself lightyears ahead of others.
Over time, this dedication and mindset will not only open doors but also lead to the compensation and opportunities you've worked for. Treat your career like the investment it is, and watch it pay dividends.