If there's one thing you might have too much of, it's advice. Everyone has something to say about your career, but most people don't know what they're talking about. They might have good intentions, but their words won't help you advance your career. Find out what career advice should go in one ear and out the other.
1. Don't Be So Picky
If you've been at the job search for a while, you've probably had one or two people tell you not to be picky. After all, isn't any job better than being unemployed?
Unless you're down to the remaining pennies in your savings account, don't settle for a job. You won't have the motivation to succeed, and you'll be unhappy. In fact, you may end up quitting your job after only a short time. Taking a job you don't want could be a blemish on your resume, and might even be why your next prospective employer doesn't hire you.
When it comes to your career, you can afford to be picky. Only take a job that you are passionate about. With the right decision, you'll have a position that allows you to advance your career.
2. Don't Be in It for the Money
If you have a few job offers, you may want to take the one that has the highest salary. However, it would be best if you didn't base your decision on money. A high paycheck will help you pay your bills, but it won't guarantee happiness.
Instead of only considering the paycheck, also consider the benefits, hours, and daily duties. Choose a job you can be passionate about and one that comes with the benefits you want. Only make your decision after you consider all of the details.
3. Only Do Something You're Good At
Most people have several skill sets. But just because you're good at something doesn't mean it needs to be a career. If you're good at something but not passionate about it, you won't succeed. One of the keys to having a successful career is doing something you love.
Consider your skills, and think of a career that allows you to put some of your skills to use. However, make sure they’re skills that you enjoy using.
4. You'll Get a Promotion if You Work Hard
In an ideal world, hard work would be rewarded. Unfortunately, that's not how life always works. Employers often care more about money than they do your work ethic. If you want a promotion, you need to do more than just work hard.
Although there's no guaranteed way to get a promotion, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. Find a way to be an invaluable asset to your employer. Offer to take on more responsibility and be active in the workplace.
5. Don't Make Waves
People are commonly told not to make waves. But, at times, rocking the boat is what gets you some attention. Speaking up about an inefficient method or proposing a new idea could be enough for your employer to notice you.
If you have an idea or suggestion, be vocal about it. Even if your employer doesn't use the idea, they will appreciate your forward thinking. A promotion could be in your future.
6. Follow Your Passion and be Rewarded with Money
While you should follow your passion, doing so won't always come with wealth. Some careers just don't come with high salaries. Rather than finding a job that is your passion, you may need to find one that allows you to practice your passions. For instance, you might love teaching. While a career as a teacher doesn't pay well, a career as a talent development specialist does. You could use your passion for teaching in a different way. If you want to make good money, you need to be open to other careers.
7. If You're Comfortable, Stay Put
Once you're comfortable in a position, it can be hard to leave. However, comfort isn't always a good thing. Typically, people who are comfortable in their position become bored and lose their passion. The most satisfied employees are the ones who need to be creative and forward-thinking.
As soon as you start to feel comfortable, question yourself. What could you do to make your career more exciting? Are there any challenges you can volunteer for? Although a new opportunity may not be comfortable, it probably feels rewarding.
8. Go Get a Real Job
This is perhaps one of the most insulting bad job advice. What's a "real" job to one person may not be one to someone else. If someone implies that your job isn't real, ask them what their definition of a job is. There's a good chance they won't be able to give you a logical answer to the question.
Any job is experience and a path towards a better career. If you find yourself working in a job that people look down upon, just remember that your future is bright. If you excel at any job, you can use the experience to better your life. A stellar reference or years of employment in the same place will make you stand out to a prospective employer.
9. Don't Ask for a Higher Salary
Once you receive a job offer, you may want to negotiate the salary. Although people sometimes advise against this, nothing is wrong with asking for more money. Generally, employers offer less money than they are willing to pay.
As long as you aren't too demanding with your request for more money, you won't hurt your situation. If anything, you'll end up with a little more money than before.
10. Don't Ever Quit
Years ago, people stayed with one employer for decades. No matter how unhappy they were at work, they maintained their employment. Fortunately, life is different today. You can quit your job and still find another job.
Instead of hurting you, quitting your job could help you. If you are honest with a prospective employer about why you quit, they won't hold it against you. Your new position may be one you're much happier with, and one that you'll have more success with.