Unfortunately, everyone gets some bad career advice somewhere along their employment journey. The worst part is that one nugget of poor counseling can set you back years on your career track, wasting a lot of time, money, energy and effort that you could have spent in jobs that suit your personality rather than break your spirit.
Take heed of these pieces of bad career advice so you can avoid pitfalls and stumbling blocks on your road to success. Although plenty of employers, recruiters and experts will offer advice for your job search, be wary of these lumps of coal.
Work Hard, Earn Rewards
Working hard to get to the next level may not represent the true nature of the contemporary workplace. Employers want to know how much value you bring to the company and promote those people who make the most of 40 hours. If you work 80 hours per week but fail to deliver that big quarterly report by the appropriate deadline, you essentially waste your boss's time. Work smarter, not harder, and ignore the bad career advice about earning rewards for tons of hard work.
Take a Less Ideal Job
Everyone needs to earn a living somehow, which may pressure you to take a job you don't really want. This bad career advice is a waste of time for everyone, including the firm that hired you. Instead, follow your heart and jump into a field, company or career you truly enjoy. There is nothing wrong with making yourself happy while earning money. Don't second guess your instincts. Make your own way, no matter what. Similarly, don't take a job just because you're good at it. If you hate what you're doing, your work will suffer. Keep your financial goals in mind, too. You may be good at and enjoy whistling, but that doesn't mean it's a lucrative field.
Your Boss Has Your Back
Your boss has the company's back, but not necessarily yours. Managers are in the difficult position of having to satisfy teams of employees as well as the bean counters in the finance department. Bosses need to do what's best for the company, which means you may not always fit into the equation. Bad career advice may lead you to rely on your manager too much for your job fulfillment.
Work for Free the First Week
Unless you do freelance work, offering to work for a company for free is illegal in the United States and presents several liability issues. You don't need to work for free for a week to prove yourself worthy to a prospective employer. Your first week normally is a wash for your employer anyway since you spend most of it in meetings, training and getting to know your team members. Your job search does not include begging your future boss for a chance.
Learning to discern bad career advice from relevant, practical recommendations takes time and a willingness to make a few mistakes along the way. Use your best judgment and listen to the masters who have gone before you as you explore your work options moving forward.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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