There are a lot of opinions you will come across about different things to do with your career. Often I have received ‘recommendations’ on what I ‘really should be doing’. Managing career advice can be developed over time. By managing I mean your response to people’s advice.
Some of the advice you receive will come from a place of genuine care for you and your future, and some of it might not come from such a trustworthy place.
What is the best way to handle and navigate this advice that you haven’t really asked for?
I’ll let you know what has worked for me in the past.
I hear what it is they have to say and do my best to understand where they are coming from. I would recommend trying to understand their own background and experience and similar situations that they might have gone through. This might give you insight into why they are saying what they are saying. It could help you determine whether whether it might work for you.
Once I’ve heard them out, I thank them for their time. Regardless of their position at work, their relationship to me, whether they are genuine or not, I remain polite and neutral in my response.
I tend not to challenge what they are saying, even if I don’t agree with it. If I think that something doesn’t sound quite right, I’ll ask further questions to better understand the point they are trying to make. But that is the extent to which I might challenge what they are saying. Its not worth getting into a disagreement.
I then go away to think about how I will approach whatever situation I might be in, on my own. I do consider what they have said, especially if the advice has come from someone I look up to and respect. But ultimately I know what is right for me and my personal circumstances.
Don’t feel pressured to go down a path that many have gone down. Regardless of whether it is something that someone you trust has suggested. Although managing career advice can be tricky, at the end of the day, it is up to you to choose your direction.
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