3 Career Risks And Rewards Of Standing Out And Why It's Worth It

Forbes

24-05-2025

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What does it truly mean to stand out in your career? Is it about being the loudest voice in the room, or is it something deeper? Perhaps it's the ability to bring authenticity, creativity, and courage into the workplace. Being different can feel like both an advantage and a challenge. It's a choice to break free from the comfort of conformity while navigating obstacles that test your confidence and resolve.
Navigating your career, while choosing to be different will make you question whether it's worth swimming against the current. But here's the truth: being different is what sets you apart, tapping into opportunities others often miss. While unleashing your individuality can be hard, it serves to discover your professional identity and positions you to contribute in ways that only you are uniquely equipped to do while benefiting those around you.
How does one cultivate a career built on individuality? I'll explore the risks you may face, the rewards of standing out, and why its worth it.
Acting, thinking, and innovating differently within the institutional world that favors predictability is no small feat. Confronting these challenges can push you out of your comfort zone but overcoming them often leads to your greatest growth. I'll never forget my first job out of college when I was told by supervisor, 'if you do these 15 things, they will generate these 25 outcomes. But those 15 things, you must do them my way.' After 3 months of doing those 15 things, my supervisor's way, I started to ask a lot of questions and was told that I was too passionate. When I shared this incident with my parents, who I was living with at the time, they told me, 'Son, your supervisor doesn't know you as an individual, his focus is to make sure you help the team reach 'the numbers.' So go back and double-down on your passion because that's the only way you will exceed the numbers. And when you do, your supervisor will never ask you to tone down your passion again.'
My parents were right and that set the trajectory for how I would pursue the rest of my career. I was challenged to be someone wasn't and learned under duress that my individuality is what propelled me to bring my best.
Work environments often reward those who conform to unwritten norms. Whether it's adhering to the established workplace culture, meeting others' expectations or abiding by outdated operating standards, standing out can invite scrutiny.
Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path. Their boldness may have been met with skepticism, but over time, their willingness to challenge norms likely led to meaningful contributions that wouldn't have existed otherwise.
At some point in our career, we find ourselves battling the gulf between assimilation and authenticity to fit in. But when you stay true to what makes you authentically stand out, it may lead to labels like rebellious, unrealistic or disruptive. These judgments, while weighty, are not roadblocks. They are the building blocks for growth and learning more about how you are built. This is when you learn that doing what's hard while doing what's right works in your favor.
Sometimes, the toughest battles we face occur within. Authenticity in your career often means confronting fears such as, what if I fail? Or, what if this isn't the right choice? These doubts are natural when stepping into the unknown, especially when faced with a path few have taken.
For example, pursuing a role that challenges conventional thinking takes courage. Imagine someone championing a project others deem impractical but later becoming the pioneer of a game-changing approach. This level of self-trust and resilience isn't easy, but it often leads to breakthroughs that redefine careers. It also inspires others to unleash their own curiosities and act on them through the example you set.
Even organizations that value creativity can struggle with adopting change. If you've presented ideas that challenge processes or norms, you've likely heard resistance in the form of, that's too risky or that won't work here.
Think of those who insisted on pushing forward despite initial objections. For example, Nikola Tesla exemplifies the power of seeing opportunities where others see obstacles. His vision for alternating current (AC) electricity was met with resistance and skepticism, even from industry giants like Thomas Edison. Yet, Tesla's ability to challenge the status quo and persist with conviction transformed the way the world transmits and uses power. His story reminds us that staying true to yourself, your beliefs and convictions required the courage to embrace risk, navigate resistance, and stay committed to a purpose that serves the greater good. Tesla's legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of bold, forward-thinking leadership.
While the challenges of standing out are significant, the rewards are even greater. By leaning into what makes you unique, you unlock opportunities to grow, form connections, and create meaningful contributions beyond what conventional methods could achieve.
There is a price to pay for being different, because you don't fit. You appear to be an outsider that doesn't belong until your colleagues begin to see and respect what makes you distinct through the value creation it generates for the betterment of the whole. It may take time to get discovered, but in the end its what allows you to accelerate your impact and influence.
When your career aligns with your values, passions, and strengths, you experience a deep sense of fulfillment that external recognition can't replicate. No longer having to mold yourself into roles that don't fit, you are free to thrive in work that reflects who you truly are. Yet, oftentimes work environments make it difficult to be yourself thus opportunities are missed.
Consider colleagues you've worked who have left traditional workplace roles to pioneer startups or pursue niche fields. Their satisfaction often stems not just from external success but from crafting careers that resonate with their values and beliefs.
Standing out through originality and problem-solving positions you as a driver of change. People who think differently often see opportunities others don't. Over time, these qualities not only distinguish you but elevate your career into spaces of impact and influence. Its hard to be original when sameness is oftentimes rewarded, though its originality that creates new opportunities and shapes work environments that promote reverse assimilation.
For example, people that have disrupted stagnant systems with fresh ideas weren't celebrated because they followed trends. They succeeded because they had the courage to break away and create entirely new paths. Thinking unconventionally often sets the stage for game-changing impact.
People are naturally drawn to authenticity. By thinking, acting and showing up differently, you invite others to do the same, fostering stronger, more intentional and meaningful relationships. Genuine connections scale cultures, mindsets and growth.
These connections go beyond surface-level networking. When colleagues, mentors, or collaborators see your passion and purpose, they're inspired to invest in your growth. The trust you foster through these relationships transforms them into opportunities for partnership, mentorship, and collective success.
Choosing to be different is more than just a mindset, it's a career-defining strategy. It ensures that you're working toward goals rooted in purpose, authenticity, and impact. By staying true to your values, you create a career filled with growth, success, and a legacy only you can leave. No one else can bring what you bring to the table. By choosing to embrace your individuality, you don't just transform your career, you inspire others to do the same. This builds communities of growth, grounded in shared missions of doing good while doing what's right.