These days there’s no shortage of career advice and opinions. And, unfortunately, not all opinions are created equal and not all advice is valuable. Throughout my career, I’ve received advice – good and bad – and I think it’s important to talk about both sides of the coin.
These are the worst pieces of career advice I’ve heard and their far better alternatives.
Fixing 5 Pieces of Terrible Career Advice
#1 – “Look out for number one.”
This advice was more common in the cutthroat business environments of decades gone by, but it hasn’t totally disappeared. There’s still this idea that the only way to get ahead is to step on other people on your way up the ladder, but it’s simply not true. Why? Because it ruins your reputation. People aren’t going to want to form real partnerships with the guy known for stabbing his collaborators in the back when it benefits them to do so.
New Advice: “Lift your team up.”
I’m fortunate to be part of a family-owned company that also feels like a big family. While this model can come with its own pitfalls, one of the big advantages is in maximizing team potential. We’re working together, not competing – and that means we can bring out the best in one another and achieve what we couldn’t do alone.
#2 – “Fake it ‘til you make it.”
Imposter syndrome is extremely common, but you won’t defeat it by fumbling your way through your responsibilities pretending to be an expert. Project confidence, but don’t deny yourself opportunities to grow, ask questions, and improve yourself.
New Advice: “Actively work to increase your expertise.”
Imposter syndrome ends where expertise begins. Rather than “faking it,” you must actively work to “make it” yourself. We’ve all been thrown into new situations that we may not know how to handle. Don’t make the mistake of pretending you’ve got it all together. Instead, lean on the expertise of those around you and do what you can to gain mastery yourself.
#3 – “Do it for passion/experience/exposure/etc.”
It’s great to do something that you love, but not at the cost of fair compensation. People can and will try to take advantage of your skills. They’ll offer you payment in “experience” or “exposure,” or even just the idea that you’re doing what you love and it’s your privilege to do the work for them, for free. Don’t fall into this trap. Not for strangers, not for friends, not for family.
New Advice: “Value your time, education, and experience. Charge accordingly.”
You’ve spent a lot of time, money, and energy to be at the professional level in your field. Value that. Value yourself. If people can’t afford what you’re worth, too bad. They need to find someone else to do the job and you need clientele that will respect your expertise.
#4 – “The money is the only thing that matters.”
Fair compensation is only part of the equation. While we all want to make a good living and build wealth, it’s not the only factor that matters. The quality of your life and relationships matters, too. Because what’s all that money worth if you’re miserable?
New Advice: “Quality of life is key.”
We’re all bound to go through tough times in our given careers. I’m not telling you to quit when things get tough. What I am saying is that you should never take a job you know you’ll be miserable doing just because the pay is better. You want to prioritize the quality of your life for your own sake and for your family’s sake. If you’re not making what you want to make, investigate avenues for earning passive income beyond your career.
#5 – “Work overtime.”
Previous advice suggests that employers valued and advanced employees who went above and beyond. That often meant taking overtime – sometimes unpaid – to get the job done. While there are times when you may have to work beyond regular office hours, don’t make a habit of it. It might impress your bosses in the short-term, but it can quickly lead to burnout.
New Advice: “Protect your breaks, weekends, and vacations.”
They say you can’t pour out from an empty pitcher. They’re right. You can’t do your best job if you’re overworked, depleted, and burned out. Value the time you have to rest and recharge so that when you do work, you’re doing the best job possible. Take your breaks throughout the day. Eat lunch away from your desk. Don’t answer work emails after hours. And use your vacation time!
What’s the worst career advice you’ve ever received? Share in the comments!