The Worst Career Advice

Seniors,

By Christina Ripley

Graduation is quickly approaching. Can you believe it? I ordered my cap and gown last weekend: a bittersweet moment. Now more than ever I am taking to heart career advice, because I feel that the transition between student and young professional is beginning. Interestingly enough, I stumbled on an article this morning titled "The Worst Career Advice." Any guesses to what the author thought was the worst advice to give young professionals? Here it is:

"Do what you love."

Huh? How can that be the worst piece of career advice? Isn't that what we've been hearing since career day in elementary school?

Obviously, becoming involved in a career you are passionate about is important. If you are involved in a career path that your find interesting and rewarding, you will be more enthusiastic and motivated at work. That's not why this advice is bad.

"Do what you love" can imply to young professionals that pursuing a career path you love will lead to a complete and successful life. This notion is entirely false. No "dream job" will make your life complete. There will always be frustrating situations present at any job: obnoxious co-workers, demanding clients, you name it. Believing that one particular career path is perfect for you is both naive and harmful. Depression rates for men and women in their twenties is on the rise, mainly because they end up feeling dissatisfied with their life if they are not involved if they feel that their career path is not perfect. 

Do you want to know the real secret to happiness and success? Creating close relationships with people is key! My dad once told me that his greatest memories were not ones that happened at a successful day of work, but the memories he made with his friends and family. It's cheesy but true!

Read the full article here