When I think back to my early career, I can’t help but smile at some of the advice I received. As a graduate, stepping into the world of work can feel like being thrown into the deep end without knowing how to swim. Everyone has an opinion about what you should do, from well-meaning relatives to colleagues who've “been there, done that.” But here’s the thing, not all advice is good advice, and some of it should be firmly ignored. Here’s the career advice I’m glad I left by the wayside.
1. “Follow Your Passion, and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life”
It sounds so poetic, doesn’t it? The problem is, it’s about as helpful as saying, “Go to the moon; you’ll have a great view.” I’m all for being passionate about what you do, but this advice forgets one thing, most of us have to have an income. Some days, you won’t love your job. There will be tough days, tasks you don’t enjoy, and moments you wonder if you made the right choice.
Instead of focusing solely on passion, think about where your skills align with opportunities. Find something that challenges you, allows growth, and provides a sense of purpose. Passion can grow over time as you build expertise and confidence in your role. Plus, pursuing “just your passion” may limit your opportunities. Who knew I’d develop a passion for recruitment? Certainly not me!
2. “Say Yes to Everything”
Early in your career, you might feel pressure to say yes to every project, opportunity, and extra task thrown your way. “It’ll show initiative,” they said. “It’s how you get noticed,” they said. Well, what it actually does is burn you out quicker than you can say ‘overtime’.
Learning to say no (diplomatically, of course) is an essential skill. Your time and energy are limited resources, and saying yes to everything dilutes your ability to excel at anything. The real trick is learning when to say yes to the right things, such as opportunities that challenge you and align with your long-term goals, not just extra busywork.
3. "Play It Safe and Avoid Risks"
Early in my career, I was often told to play it safe, stick to what you know, avoid taking big risks, and keep your head down. The idea was that stability would lead to success. But here’s the thing: real growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone.
Some of the best moves I’ve made involved taking calculated risks, whether it was setting up a business, taking on a challenging project, or accepting a role I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for. If I had stuck to the safe option every time, I’d have missed out on some of the most rewarding and career-defining opportunities. You don’t need to be reckless, but don’t be afraid to take a leap when the potential payoff is worth it. Growth comes from challenges, not playing it safe
4. “Networking is All About Who You Know”
This one is a half-truth. Networking is important, but it’s not just about collecting business cards or connecting with every person on LinkedIn. It’s about who knows you and what you can offer. Early in my career, I wasted time going to every networking event possible, trying to meet everyone in the room. It wasn’t until I started building genuine relationships, sharing ideas, and finding ways to add value to others that my network became meaningful.
Focus on creating quality connections rather than quantity. Be someone people can trust, who delivers results, and who is a pleasure to work with. That’s what makes networking truly effective.
5. “Climb the Ladder as Fast as You Can”
It can be tempting to race up the career ladder as quickly as possible, but I’m here to tell you that sometimes slow and steady really does win the race. I’ve seen people jump from job to job, chasing the next title or pay rise, only to find themselves out of depth or unhappy. In some cases, they’re back at square one.
The truth is, every role you take on should be about more than just a title. Focus on learning, developing new skills, and understanding your industry inside and out. The higher you go, the more responsibility you carry. And you want to be sure you’re prepared for it.
Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t follow every piece of advice thrown my way. Bad career advice isn’t always easy to spot, but with a bit of critical thinking (and, let’s be honest, some trial and error), you can chart a path that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to carve your own route, the most rewarding careers often come from forging your own way, not blindly following the road others have laid.
So, graduates and early professionals, trust yourself. Seek advice, but don’t be afraid to ignore it when it doesn’t fit. You’ll thank yourself later.
