Many people love to dish advice but not everyone is good at it. A recent survey found the typical go-to people in our lives—trusted friends, family members, spouses, professional colleagues—often give advice that can negatively impact our careers. Check out these top bad pieces of career advice below and how to avoid falling victim these so-called words of wisdom.
Take this job for now, even if you don’t want it.
Unless you’re desperate for income, taking a job you really
don’t want is not a good career move. You may not be very motivated or satisfied in a job you don’t like, defeating the purpose of taking it in the first place. If you accept a role that is off-track from your career goals, it can be more difficult than you’d expect to shake the label and rebrand yourself. Always take time to weigh the pros and cons before accepting any job offer, and consider whether it’s a position you truly want.Get a Master’s degree.
While obtaining an MBA may help you advance in your career, unless you have a clear career goal in mind, your school time could end up being a very costly two-year vacation. If you decide to pursue a Master’s degree, keep in mind the goals you want to achieve and use the time to build a strong network. Weigh the monetary return on investment and ask yourself whether the cost of attending will increase your salary growth potential or other benefits.Do whatever pays the most.
We
all know money doesn’t buy happiness. Although you want to be paid enough to live comfortably, a paycheck isn’t the only reason you should choose a certain career. When you’re considering a new job, don’t be blinded by dollar signs.Multitask to get more done.
While being a master of multitasking can be a positive thing—especially at a busy work environment—taking on too many things at once can add stress to your work day and can decrease the quality of your work. If you’re trying to tackle one too many projects, you could end up spreading yourself too thin. Try “unitasking†or just focusing on one assignment at a time.
While seeking advice can be helpful in making important decisions, the key factor is the quality of the advice you receive. It’s important to consider the source of advice that you receive and use your own discernment. Don’t solely depend on the opinions of others when making career decisions.
What’s the worst career advice you’ve ever received? #SoundOff and follow Jamie on Twitter @JayNHarrison.