Stepping into the real world to start your career life will also come with a hundred people telling you a hundred different things about what you should and shouldn’t do. They may not know anything about your field but it is assumed that some career tips and advice are universal and apply to everyone. Well, I’m here to tell you that this may not always be the case because these generic tips often work against our favour and don’t really help us explore our field of choice. Here are a few common career tips that are often used to give advice, but may not be right for you.
Success is where the money is
This is a very common misconception because this is what has been followed for many years by our preceding generations. Success is directly related to the amount of money you make, that’s how it is often calculated. It doesn’t apply to everyone though. People often give up on their dreams and aspirations because they’re told that making money is more important if they want to be successful. It depends on what your priority is, so you need to remember to work towards your priority.
Don’t do unpaid internships
Unpaid internships are a huge topic of debate and discussion because many believe that any type of work should be credited and should provide some type of monetary compensation. This may be true if you’re someone with a decent amount of work experience. However, if you’re just starting out and have no experience whatsoever, unpaid internships can be a starting point and during the course of the internship, you learn a lot. So, don’t turn down an internship just because it has no monetary benefits, there’s a lot you can learn when you’re just starting out.
Always ask for more money when you get a job offer
It is a common belief that employers don’t offer their best package when they give you a job offer. Due to this, it is always encouraged to ask for more money when you get your initial offer but this isn’t something that may work every time. It is important to respect the offer made by your employer and if you think it is fair, then there’s no need to ask for higher compensation. Instead of saying no immediately, try breaking down the salary structure and analyzing it according to your needs.
Once you choose a field, you’re stuck with it forever
Especially in the Indian context, this is something we’ve been told by our elders since we were kids. Whether it was choosing which stream to opt for in a school, a course in college, or a field in life. It may seem like what you choose now will be set in stone for the rest of your life, but know that it is absolutely not true. There are people out there who start their business of passion in their 50s. So, don’t be afraid to try something, and don’t get overwhelmed if it’s not something you want to do. There are a lot of choices in today’s world, and that is a huge advantage.
Taking a break year will mess up your career timeline
If anything, taking a break will only help you have a clearer idea of what you want to do and whether or not you are happy with what you’re already doing. There is no harm in taking a break year, as long as you use that time to properly figure out your career goals and aspirations. It’s important to not let the pressure get to you.
Never quit a job in less than a year
Most people say this because they believe that to properly understand the work environment of a company, you need to at least work there for a year. Although this could be the case for many, it’s not necessary to be true for you. If you start a job and realize after a while that it isn’t a good fit, or you’re not able to settle in, it is okay to consider quitting.
Burn all bridges when you leave a job
Leaving a job can be tough, and it is even tougher if you’ve made acquaintances in the workplace. It’s not necessary to cut all ties and leave the job behind entirely, there is no harm in keeping in contact with the people you worked with. If not for personal reasons, it can be of great help in the corporate world as well.
Don’t do business with your friends or family
It is a common notion that mixing your business life with your personal life is never a good idea, and although it may be true sometimes, you can always try it out on your own. Not everyone is alike, and if you have good business chemistry with your friends or family, then you can always give it a shot if the opportunity arises.
Resumes should never be longer than one page
Having a simple and concise resume is beneficial in some cases, but it also depends on the job profile. If you have varied interests and achievements that you think are worth mentioning in your resume, then you should go for it. It’s okay if it exceeds one page, as long as the information you provide is relevant to the job and will help you in expressing your interests.
Accept ‘good enough’ because that’s the best you can get
Starting out a career in a field that is new to you can get overwhelming, and you may not start with the best opportunity out there. Remember that it is like climbing a ladder, and there’s always a chance to improve in terms of work-life and better opportunities. So don’t be afraid to get out there, and remember you have to value your own work because that will make you believe that there are better opportunities out there for you.
Some career tips can be outright wrong for you. You must understand what’s best for you and your career. If you have received such wrong career tips, share with us as well in the comments below.
