9 pieces of career advice you should never follow

“Don’t ask for a raise if your company isn’t giving any this year.”

This type of conversation isn’t just about your financial compensation. It’s about ensuring your company understands the value you bring to the table.

Requesting a raise at a company during a wage freeze might feel uncomfortable. But just because a company has said they won’t be giving raises, it doesn’t mean they won’t consider you when the freeze is over. 

When approaching your manager with this request, be well-prepared with comprehensive details of your achievements and contributions.

We’d also advise being patient. Don’t rush the potential results; you may not receive a raise right away. That's okay. This is a great chance to set the goals you need to reach for a raise later.

Below is a template you can use to get the conversation going:

“Do what your boss asks, no matter what position it puts you in.”

This career advice not only has moral repercussions, but could have legal ones too.

Of course, if your boss puts in a reasonable request, you should follow through with that. But in this instance, we’re talking about especially difficult situations. For example, if they ask you to omit financial details from that report to inflate earnings numbers.

If your boss asks you to do something that concerns you, your first step should be to get all the facts. Ask them to restate their instruction, and ask specific questions for clarification. The People’s Law School has some good examples of questions you could ask. 

Next, if you feel that your boss is open to discussion, explain why you feel uncomfortable. If not, or if a conversation doesn’t resolve the situation, take careful steps to protect yourself. This could include speaking to a manager or HR professional within your company.

You are also allowed to say no and explain your reason why. If the instruction feels unethical or illegal, it might even be reasonable to consider leaving the organisation. 

The main point is this: never do a task that makes you feel uneasy. Always talk to someone else in the company if you can't speak openly with the person who asked you. 

“You should leave your personal life at home; it has no place in the office.”

You spend around 40 hours a week at work, so having some friends among your coworkers is always a positive.

There are lines you should not cross with your colleagues. However, sharing some personal information can help. If you feel comfortable, this is a good way to break the ice and make friends at work.

It’s also a good idea to immerse yourself in the company culture and take advantage of any social events put on by your company. This way, you can learn more about your co-workers. You might even become friends outside of work if one of you gets a new job. 

“Even if you hate your new job, you should stick it out for at least a year.”

Though rare, there may be times when you realise quite quickly that you’ve made a mistake in accepting a position. 

There may even be an occasion where you realise this within hours of your first day. 
Sometimes, the information from interviews does not show the full picture of the job. Sadly, interviewers sometimes misrepresent the roles. 

Sticking it out for a year in a job that makes you feel hopeless and frustrated can hurt you so much more than a month of unemployment can. Don’t worry so much about looking like a ‘job-hopper’. You spend a lot of time at work. It’s important to be in a place where you feel comfortable and can contribute. 

It’s also worth noting that a probationary period is for you as well as your employer. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s best to leave during your notice period. This time is usually shorter than after you’ve stayed longer.

If you do find yourself in a new job that doesn’t feel right, you should be honest with your hiring manager and hand in your resignation as soon as possible. Try to help them as much as you can while they hire your replacement. However, sometimes it's better to walk away.

“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”

While enjoying your job is important, take this advice with a grain of salt. It can paint an idea of a golden utopian dream job, where you are constantly happy, and never have bad days. 

This is, of course, unrealistic. Although you can absolutely work in a job you love most of the time.

The thing to bear in mind is this: There is no such thing as a perfect job. Even if you love what you do with every ounce of your being, sometimes it will still feel like work. And that is perfectly okay.

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing your dream career; that's what recruiters want to help you do! But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if you have bad days, then you’re not in the right career. Just make sure the good days outweigh the bad ones. 

“Find a good job that you can be safe and comfortable in until you retire.”

This advice does have a place. If you’re happy and secure at the company you work for, there’s nothing wrong with staying there, especially if you have a clear career path mapped out. 

But if you want to grow and feel that there’s no way to facilitate that in your current organisation, it might be wise to consider a new position elsewhere.

Companies are constantly changing and evolving as the landscape moves - particularly with the rise in AI and technological advancements. If you want to get out of your comfort zone to grow your career, you may run the risk of being left behind if that’s not an option in your current role. 

“Take a job at a big, prestigious company for the experience.”

Accepting a job you don’t enjoy because it looks good on your CV might not be good for your day-to-day happiness. Any job you take should move you forward and provide challenges that enhance your skills.

Staying in a role that drains you, just because it looks good on paper or has a generous salary, could be damaging in the long-term. 

However, you might consider this career advice if you are taking a short-term internship. In this case, the chance for career growth may be worth any downsides. In this situation, there is an end in sight, and you’ll be walking in knowing what to expect.

“Don’t rock the boat. Do the work the way it has always been done.”

If you can find a way to save your company time and money by instituting a new procedure, you should definitely speak up. Keeping an idea to yourself for fear of ‘rocking the boat’ could lead to a missed opportunity.

Employers value innovation and creativity, so if you’re someone who is always thinking outside the box, never keep your ideas to yourself!

The worst that can happen is they won’t go for it, but if they do, you could make a huge positive impact on the company you work for. 

“Be the first in and the last to leave. Work as much overtime as possible to show your dedication.”

This can be extremely counterintuitive. Working late every day can signal to managers that you’re unable to cope with your workload or tasks. Not to mention that it can lead to burnout and a reduction in productivity and job satisfaction. 

Your employers may succumb to their unconscious bias and no longer put you on big projects.
Of course, if you have the capacity, it can be a smart move to take on extra projects and responsibilities. Just make sure it doesn’t impact your wellbeing and work/life balance. Other ways to show dedication at work include: 

• Actively seeking training and improvement opportunities
• Livening up the workplace with initiative and enthusiasm 
• Providing excellent customer service (if applicable)
• Helping your colleagues when they need an extra hand 

These actions show initiative and demonstrate your dedication to your work.

Take all career advice with a pinch of salt

People tend to have your best interests at heart when giving you career advice. However, remember that what works well for one person will not necessarily work well for you.

Listen to all career advice you receive, but always use your intuition. Make sure that if you follow advice, it is to the betterment of your career and keeps you moving forward.

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