The Worst Career Advice I Ever Got

People feel the need to constantly give millennials advice, especially when it comes to the job search. I know I’ve received a plethora of job advice from my elders, going all the way back to when I was in high school and working at a children’s party place. Most of this advice has been good, however there has been some that has made me question if this was really advice I should be listening to. Yes, that’s right, not all advice is helpful. Now you may be wondering, what’s the worst career advice Michelle ever received? Well that’s simple. To stay quiet.

I was once told by a more senior staff member that since I was a junior staffer I shouldn’t speak up for myself and should solely listen to what my supervisors had to say. If something was bothering me, I wasn’t supposed to go to my boss about it – I was just supposed to let it go. If I didn’t agree with a decision that had been made, I was not supposed to voice it because I was not in a Director position. Since I wasn’t higher on the totem pole, I was solely supposed to keep my mouth shut, and do as I was told.

Well, I’m not sure if you’ve figured this out yet, but I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. I have a tendency to say what’s on my mind, and give my opinion. The second I heard this advice I simply smiled and walked away from the conversation. I have not listened to this advice, and I never plan on following it. If something in the work place is bothering me, I go directly to my boss and let her know. If I don’t understand something I’m asked to do, I let my boss know and she has no problem going over the logic behind it with me. If I think there’s a more efficient way of doing something, I write my boss and she always takes it into consideration.

Why was this the worst advice I’ve ever gotten?

We have a voice fellow millennials, and we shouldn’t be afraid to use it. We have good ideas, we see things from different perspectives, and we should not be held back from contributing. Of course, we must always be respectful and remember that we are speaking to supervisors. As long as you keep this in mind, voice away. We have a right to be heard. I can get all cliché and start talking about freedom of speech but I’ll refrain. Please never think that you cannot voice your opinion.

Millennials, I promise you that we can be heard. For instance, just this past week, I was confused as to why certain staff members were allocated in a certain way on some of our promotional materials. I vocalized my concern to my boss who not only took my opinion into consideration, but also revamped the documents based upon my suggestions! If it weren’t for the fact that I wasn’t scared to convey my opinion on the matter to my boss, the material would still be as it was instead of new and improved.

I truly hope that if you are ever given the advice to keep quiet in your office, you don’t listen to it. Thank the person for giving you advice and for wanting to help you in your career, and then walk away knowing that you have a voice too (have I stressed that enough yet?). Be respectful, professional, and know that your opinion matters as well.

What’s the worst career advice you’ve ever received? Tweet us @PloymintHQ and we’ll retweet you!