The 9 Worst Mistakes You Can Ever Make at Work (and How to Avoid Career Catastrophe)

Here are the nine worst mistakes you can make at work—and how to avoid becoming the office cautionary tale.

1. Ignoring Feedback (Or Worse, Getting Defensive About It)

Nobody loves hearing, “Hey, you could improve in this area,” but rejecting feedback is like refusing free money. Sure, it might sting a little, but if someone is taking the time to guide you, it’s usually worth listening.

What to do instead: Take feedback with grace. Even if you don’t agree, nod, reflect, and see if there’s truth in it. Then apply what makes sense.

2. Burning Bridges Like You’re in an Action Movie

That annoying coworker you passive-aggressively ignored? They might be your boss one day. The company you quit with a dramatic exit? They could own your dream job’s hiring process. Workplace relationships have long memories.

What to do instead: Keep it professional, even when you’re frustrated. You never know who you’ll run into later.

3. Overpromising and Underdelivering

Saying “I got this!” when you absolutely do not got this is a one-way ticket to Disappointment Town. People remember when you drop the ball, and soon, they’ll stop trusting you to even hold it.

What to do instead: Be realistic. It’s better to promise a little and deliver a lot than the other way around.

4. Treating Meetings Like a Free Nap Zone

If you sit silently in meetings like a background extra, people assume you have nothing to contribute. Worse, they might forget you exist entirely.

What to do instead: Speak up! Ask questions, share insights, and show you’re engaged. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking—just enough to remind people, “Oh yeah, they’re smart.”

5. Gossiping Like You’re in a Reality Show Confessional

It’s tempting, but office gossip is like fast food—tasty in the moment, regrettable later. Plus, it always gets back to the wrong person.

What to do instead: Keep convos professional. If you wouldn’t say it in front of them, don’t say it at all.

6. Blaming Others for Your Mistakes

“We” love teamwork… until it’s time to own up to a mistake. Then, suddenly, it’s “their fault.” Passing the blame is a surefire way to lose respect.

What to do instead: Own your errors. Apologize, fix it, and show you’ve learned. People respect accountability.

7. Resisting Change Like It’s Your Arch-Nemesis

Nothing says “future layoff candidate” like refusing to learn new technology or processes. Change is inevitable—be the person who adapts, not the one who digs in their heels.

What to do instead: Be open to learning. The more adaptable you are, the more valuable you become.

8. Letting Your Emotions Run the Show

Sending an angry email? Crying in the break room? Storming out of a meeting? We’ve all been there, but emotional outbursts can make you look unprofessional.

What to do instead: Take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Respond with logic, not heat. (And never, ever send that angry email without cooling off first.)

9. Forgetting to Plan Your Next Career Move

If you’re not thinking about where you want to be in five years, don’t be surprised when you’re stuck in the same spot.

What to do instead: Set goals. Learn new skills. Network. Always have one eye on the future.

Final Thoughts

Mistakes happen. The key is to learn, adapt, and—most importantly—avoid making the kind of blunders that turn you into an office legend for all the wrong reasons.

Which mistake have you seen in the workplace? Spill the tea (professionally, of course).