Lucy Payton 
Did you know that work is one of the most stressful factors in most people’s lives? It’s true; research shows that job stress is not only a major stressor for most Americans but that it has also increased during the past few decades. It’s no wonder why this is the case – constantly feeling overwhelmed at work (or worse, unsure if you’ll even have a job next month) can take a serious toll on anyone’s mental health.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way. By actively working on your career competency, you can shift from constantly reacting to workplace pressures to feeling more in control. After all, competency gives you a sense of control over your career and brings confidence, and that can do wonders for your mental well-being.
Here’s how you can invest in your career competence and, as a result, your mental health as well.
Start by Identifying Your Skill Gaps
The first step toward becoming more competent (and mentally more at ease while at work) is accessing where you stand. After all, every job requires a certain set of skills, and chances are, even if you have them all, there’s room for improvement.
So, start by taking an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses. Are you great at the technical side but struggle with communication or leadership? Focus on the latter. Perhaps you’ve got a solid grasp of the day-to-day operations but are out of touch with the latest industry developments? Take time to acquaint yourself with the new trends and developments.
Please remember that being aware of your shortcomings isn’t a reason to stress—it’s simply a roadmap for where you can improve. Once you know what you need to work on to improve at your job, you’ll actually reduce work-related stress over time.
Take Skill Development Courses
Once you’ve identified your skill gaps, it’s time to start closing them. And one of the most effective ways to do this is by taking professional development courses.
For example, if you’re preparing for a legal career, diving into a bar topics overview is a smart way to familiarize yourself with the critical areas you’ll need to master. If you’re in sales and marketing, courses in digital marketing, data analytics, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools can help you stay competitive in an evolving market.
Beyond just the knowledge, these courses offer something crucial for your mental health: structure. Instead of feeling lost about how to improve, you follow a clear path. Plus, the sense of achievement after finishing each course gives you a psychological boost.
Get Professional Certifications
There’s value in having tangible proof of your competency, which is why professional certifications exist. Certifications in your field act as both a personal confidence boost and a public endorsement of your abilities because they show that you’ve reached a certain level of expertise that is recognized by industry standards.
For example, if you’re in IT, certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are well-respected. In finance? Getting certified as a CPA or CFA can open doors. The point is, with certifications, you’re not just telling yourself you know what you’re doing—you’re actually proving it.
Network with Experts
Another often overlooked aspect of professional growth is building a network of knowledgeable individuals in your field. Yes, networking can be hard, but it’s worth it: connecting with experts allows you to tap into collective wisdom and gain insights that no course or certification can offer.
Mind you, this is not just about learning the technical aspects of the job—it’s understanding industry dynamics, the soft skills required, and navigating complex challenges. Having mentors or a strong peer group can offer you guidance and reassurance, which is a huge mental health booster.
Practice Competency at Work
Once you’ve built your skills and certifications, it’s time to apply them. Always remember that the more you practice, the more ingrained those competencies become, and the easier it will be to handle daily tasks. Over time, you’ll notice that what once caused stress now feels manageable—because it is. You’ve done the work; you’ve gained the expertise.
At the end of the day, career competency is about more than job performance. It’s about finding stability and confidence in a world that can often feel unstable. By continuously working on developing your skills and expertise, you’re not only investing in your career, but your mental well-being, too.
