Many young people look forward to working in offices, believing that putting in hard work and long hours will lead to a smooth experience. However, the reality is often harsher. They find themselves as replaceable workers, putting in more hours than they’re paid for. Office politics become a confusing mess, bringing a lot of stress. The initial excitement fades as they discover the challenging truths of the professional world, which turns out to be more complicated than they imagined.
Which is why people online who are over 30 years old are sharing valuable professional advice which a lot of youngsters can use. The conversation started to take place after a user posted this:
30+ folks, what is your best piece of professional advice?
— dont let me get bangs again fr (@yoadri_n) January 15, 2024
The pearls of wisdom that were dropped after the user opposed the question is insane. Numerous people shared incredible advice that they learnt the hard way and through experience. Here’s a look at some of the best ones:
“Dream jobs” don’t exist for most people. Finding a tolerable job and finding purpose in the other aspects of your life can absolutely be something to strive for https://t.co/4adpxuAcnq
— Kyle Patrick (@kyry5) January 16, 2024
HR is not your friend. https://t.co/nrJrLg7d6d
— Wagatwe Wanjuki 🇰🇪 🇧🇸 (@wagatwe) January 16, 2024
Sharing this as I start a new job today. At the first clear indication that you’re overlooked, undervalued, or disrespected, start your job search. Do not sell your mental health on top of your labor. https://t.co/Rkce2NjsoH
— Dana White (@ItsDanaWhite) January 16, 2024
The institution (whatever it is) cannot and will not love you back. Be passionate about your work, if you'd like, but not your workplace. https://t.co/MBPVnIbWPr
— Matt Bell (@mdbell79) January 16, 2024
When you are sick, stay home and do not make yourself available via Slack or whatever. If you died at your desk, they’d have your work reassigned by EOD. They will be okay without you for a sick day. https://t.co/DuNa3jZgFC
— Nichole 🍞🍯 UPDATES 🤕 (@tnwhiskeywoman) January 16, 2024
Get comfortable bragging about yourself.
Keep receipts about the work you’ve done and the impact it’s made on company/team goals (use numbers as much as possible)
Surround yourself with people who inspire you, sponsor you, and teach you new things https://t.co/v7vZWL30rv
— Shaundai Person (@shaundai) January 16, 2024
Never work for free for a company that can afford to pay you. Companies try to normalize this practice, but it's just exploitation.
Prestige is not payment. The word "prestige" deserves from the Latin for "illusion" and that's all you'll get. https://t.co/b7UdF9IK3R
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) January 16, 2024
Work is actually more stressful and draining when you half-ass it, so do a good job. Take your vacations and all of that but also, do a good job. Not for your employer's benefit but because you'll have more peace AND it might lead to something you haven't even thought of yet. https://t.co/5L5fNNuYqx
— Jenée (@jdesmondharris) January 16, 2024
Treat the people below you in the chain of command better than the people above you do. https://t.co/QbJV6fIyiQ
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) January 16, 2024
Keep personal and office separate. Be sincere and hardworking, but remember it takes a minute for an organisation to replace you, no matter how good you are. Don't hesitate to take care of yourself and your family. https://t.co/VgrTok98l2
— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) January 17, 2024
Incredibly shady people will always insist on leaving no trace. They’ll “give you a quick call” instead of ever emailing/ texting.
Always follow up in writing w the dodgy things they say. https://t.co/iy8xljXNMJ
— Kate Kelly 🍉 (@Kate_Kelly_Esq) January 16, 2024
Function at 80% of your capabilities. Reserve the best only for once or twice a month. Be accountable for the work. Tell your bosses you don't take calls after or before work hours unless the company is shutting shops and they want to discuss a severance package. https://t.co/YTyGhJ7tpw
— Mirza Arif Beg (@Iammirzaarif) January 17, 2024
Become a “documentarian”
– document those wins
– document who said what
– document what your career plans
– document those ideasSo when someone says what about XYZ you have documents just bop bop right in that moment https://t.co/TYEEG9DFQO
— Mark Techson (@marktechson) January 16, 2024
the more money you save + have at your disposal, the less control your job has over you https://t.co/WmSiAPT0up
— alex (tired) (@alex) January 16, 2024
Consistency over perfectionism. You will fuck up and you will learn to laugh about it. Advocate for yourself. And for women- say that you’re ambitious. It is not a dirty word. https://t.co/WfrEEIfIjk
— Rutuja (ऋतुजा) 🇮🇳 (@Havaldarshinde) January 17, 2024
Not everyone who presents themselves as a mentor is really mentor material. Some would even be in secret competition with the person they are supposed to be mentoring if they see that the person is better than them.
Be careful. https://t.co/3byJLRHFAc
— Gillian Hero (@lilyoftheveil17) January 17, 2024
If there’s one piece of advice that we truly love, it’s this.
Keep learning and be ready to adapt. Things change quickly, so it’s important to stay curious and improve your skills. Connect with people in your field by going to events and making friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, and learn from both your successes and mistakes.
Hope this helps!