9 Career Lies You've Been Told

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When I was 16, I’ll never forget the moment a manager sat me down and said, “If you want to become a manager, Howard, you need to be prepared to work for free.”

Now, this was over 20 years ago, and while a lot of things were accepted back then, let’s be honest—if I said that to someone in today’s world, HR would have me in their office faster than you can say "overtime policy."

That moment stuck with me because, at the time, I believed it. I thought the only way to grow in my career was to overwork, under-ask, and somehow prove my worth through exhaustion.

But here’s the kicker: that wasn’t the only myth I was fed about career development. Over the years, I’ve heard it all:

• “Work hard, and you’ll get noticed.”

• “Get out and show the team you can do their job better than them”

• “Just follow your passion, and everything will fall into place.”

And for a long time, I followed this advice. I kept my head down, stayed in roles longer than I should have, and assumed that one day, my hard work would magically speak for itself.

Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

What we’ll cover off:

• Why outdated career advice could be sabotaging your growth.

• 9 common career myths—and what you should do instead.

• How to take ownership of your career without burning out.

• Practical steps to align your work with your goals and values.

The career landscape has shifted significantly over the past few decades. Dr. Elizabeth Knight, a research lead with the Career Industry Council of Australia, points out that advice from previous generations may not be relevant today:

The workplace has changed dramatically over the years, yet some career advice refuses to evolve. Advice like "just work hard, and you'll get noticed" might sound comforting, but it’s far from reality.

In today’s fast-paced world, relying on outdated principles can stall your career growth and leave you feeling stuck. Research shows that employees who proactively manage their careers—not just passively wait for recognition—are more likely to succeed and feel fulfilled in their roles.

But here’s the thing: success isn’t just about climbing the ladder. It’s about aligning your work with your strengths, values, and long-term vision. To achieve that, you need to ditch the outdated advice and embrace a smarter approach to career growth.

Many professionals unknowingly sabotage their own progress by clinging to career myths that no longer apply. For example:

• They stay in unfulfilling roles because they’re afraid of being labeled as "job hoppers."

• They pass up opportunities because they don’t feel 100% qualified.

• They exhaust themselves chasing every opportunity instead of focusing on the right ones.

The result? Burnout, stagnation, and a career that feels more like survival than growth.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

9 Career Lies (And What to Do Instead)

1. "Work Hard and You’ll Get Promoted."

What: Working hard alone doesn’t guarantee success.
Why: Promotions often go to those who showcase their value.
How: Share your wins during team meetings, build relationships with key decision-makers, and advocate for yourself in a professional yet confident way.

2. "Only Apply to Jobs You’re 100% Qualified For."

What: Waiting until you're fully qualified can hold you back.
Why: Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.
How: Apply for roles that excite and challenge you. Use interviews as a chance to learn and show your potential.

3. "Job Hopping Will Destroy Your Career."

What: Changing jobs can be a powerful tool for growth.
Why: Careers are about learning and earning—both, ideally.
How: If you’re not growing or being compensated fairly, it’s time to explore new opportunities.

4. "Just Follow Your Passion."

What: Passion alone isn’t enough.
Why: Sustainable careers align passion, strengths, and market demand.
How: Reflect on your skills and how they solve real problems. Pair what you love with what you’re great at.

5. "Never Say No to an Opportunity."

What: Not every opportunity is worth your time.
Why: Saying yes to everything dilutes your focus.
How: Use Derek Sivers’ "Hell Yes or No" rule—only say yes to opportunities that truly excite you and align with your goals.

6. "You’ll Look Unreliable If You Change Industry."

What: Switching industries can broaden your skills and perspective.
Why: Careers are experiments that help you discover what drives you.
How: Take what you’ve learned in one industry and show how it applies in another. Your unique perspective can be your edge.

7. "Just Do What Your Boss Says."

What: Leaders value initiative, not blind obedience.
Why: You’re closer to the day-to-day work and can often spot opportunities your boss might miss.
How: Suggest solutions and share ideas that can benefit the team. Show initiative without overstepping.

8. "Personal Branding is Only for Rich People."

What: Building a personal brand is for everyone.
Why: It amplifies your value and opens doors.
How: Share your experiences, lessons, and insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Consistency builds credibility.

9. "Develop 5 Passive Income Streams to Get Rich."

What: Spreading yourself too thin leads to burnout.
Why: Mastery in one area creates a stronger foundation for future ventures.
How: Focus on excelling in one thing before branching out. Success in one area often unlocks other opportunities.

Want to turn this gameplan into impact? Here’s a 4 day challenge for you!

Day 1: Reflect on Your Current Career
Take 15 minutes to list what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.

Day 2: Identify a Career Myth You’ve Been Following
Pick one myth from the list above that resonates with you. Write down how you’ll challenge it.

Day 3: Take One Bold Action
Apply for a stretch role, suggest a new idea at work, or start sharing your insights online.

Day 4: Build a Long-Term Vision
Write down your career goals for the next 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years. Break them into actionable steps.

The workplace has evolved, and so should your approach to career growth. By avoiding outdated myths and embracing a proactive, strategic mindset, you’ll create a career that aligns with your goals and values.

Remember, leadership starts with leading your own career. So step up, take ownership, and make your work truly matter.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? Share it with me—I’d love to hear!

Until next Tuesday,

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

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• Reclaim your time

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