5 Real-Life Advice: The Best Career Advice That Made A Difference

We’ve all encountered bits of advice that, at the moment, seemed insignificant. But as time went on, those words echoed in our minds, guiding our decisions and shaping our careers in unexpected ways.

Whether it’s the importance of building relationships, taking calculated risks, or knowing when to stand your ground, career advice can often be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

According to a recent survey, 67% of people globally surveyed said they want to advance their career, but 49% said a lack of good career advice has hurt their job trajectory.

Curious about what others found most impactful? We have turned to Reddit, where people from all walks of life shared the best career advice they’ve ever received. Some tips come from seasoned professionals, while others are lessons learned through trial and error.

Regardless of the source, these pieces of wisdom offer real-life insight into how people have navigated their professional paths, made bold choices, and thrived in their careers.

Here’s what stood out:

• “Don’t be the most technically proficient person.”
• “Networking is everything.”
• “Your reputation matters more than competence.”

1. Networking is everything

“Keep your resume up-to-date and always be thinking of networking. I have been through two downsizing and know the value of this. “Networking” sounds like a contrived sort of thing where you bond with people, but it does not have to be. In my case, it meant making sure to follow my industry, go to conferences (and speak at conferences), connect with recruiters, get to know people, keep up with people and treat everyone decently.

Although I am not a shy person, I am definitely an introvert and would prefer just to do my job and be recognised for good work. That doesn’t happen, unfortunately. You do not need to be a super-slick, extroverted, salesman to successfully network. A bigger network is good, but a small tight network is fine.” By u/willingrepublic

2. Reputation gets you promoted far more often than competence

“At first, it seemed counterintuitive. After all, isn’t it your technical skills and ability to deliver results that matter the most? But the more I thought about it and observed the workplace, the more I realised how true it is.

It’s not just about being the most technically proficient person in the room. Sure, hard skills are important, but what really sets you apart is how you’re perceived by others — your soft skills. Being nice, approachable, and helpful goes a long way. People remember the person who is easy to work with, who shows up for others, and who adds value to the team dynamic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as going the extra mile here and there, or even showing up to the occasional work drinks. It’s those small, seemingly trivial moments that build relationships and cement your reputation.

In the end, competence can get you far, but reputation — how well you collaborate, communicate, and connect with people — is what gets you noticed when promotion time comes around.” By u/coppernobra

3. Don’t look for a dream job

“Probably the best career advice I have ever gotten was not to look for a “dream job.” See, most people don’t have dream jobs. We have dreams and we have jobs. If we are lucky, they have some overlap. But the idea that there is some magical, perfect job out there for everyone, and that if you find that job it will be like you never have to work a day in your life because you enjoy what you are doing so much, is bunk.

Yes, there are some very lucky people who get to do what they love every day. But for most of us that’s not an option. In that case the best we can do is to find a job that we can tolerate, and then focus on the stuff that’s important to us in our off time.” By u/jorost

4. Respect yourself

“Respect yourself enough to work the assigned hours that you are supposed to work. If you cannot achieve the work that is assigned to you, within the timeframe you are contracted to, then either you need to learn to be more efficient, manage your time better or you are being assigned too much work.

My boss used to tell me that working an extra 2 hours a day is disrespectful to your co-workers because they might inadvertently also do the overtime to save face, and dislike you for it (which in turn creates a not so nice work environment).

It is also disrespectful to yourself if you feel the need to sacrifice personal time, family time and time to learn, for a job that will not promote you for that extra work. Most companies now have structures with assigned pay scales depending on your experience or expertise. This isn’t the 60s. There’s no golden watch at the end of this.” By u/sunnycoast26

5. Be careful who you take advice from

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be careful who you take advice from. It’s easy to fall into the trap of listening to anyone who’s willing to offer their two cents, but here’s the thing: if the person giving you advice isn’t in the position you aspire to be in, their guidance might not be relevant to your journey.

Think about it — if someone hasn’t achieved the goals you’re working toward or isn’t living the kind of life you want, how can they really know what it takes to get there? Often, their advice reflects their own limitations or experiences, and 9 times out of 10, they’re unintentionally steering you toward the same path they followed, not necessarily the one that will help you achieve your goals.

It’s not that their advice is malicious, but if their life or career doesn’t align with what you envision for yourself, it’s likely to be misaligned with your ambitions. So, when seeking guidance, always ask yourself: Is this person living the life I want? Have they achieved what I’m aiming for? If not, take their advice with a grain of salt. After all, your journey is yours to shape, and you need advice that moves you forward, not sideways.”  By u/lunax022

If you’re looking to advance your career or find the perfect role, visit TheEdgePartnership.com. Discover a range of opportunities that match your ambitions, and connect with seasoned recruiters who can help guide you to your next big move!