10 career rules worth breaking

Rules were made to be broken. And that’s certainly the case when it comes to a lot of the well-intentioned career advice that gets doled out on the regular.

A common problem with a lot of so-called ‘career rules’ is that they’re out of date, or simply suggestions rather than hard and fast rules.

Take any career advice with a grain of salt, and do what’s right for you, both personally and professionally.

Yes, rules certainly have their place in life and in the world of work. They exist in order to control the mayhem. When communicated clearly, they make sure everyone knows what everyone knows. They keep organizations focused, with all team members heading in the same direction.

And in a perfect world, they would apply equally to everyone, regardless of what differentiates us, our status, rank or performance.

According to evolutionary psychologists, human beings are hardwired to test, if not break the rules. It’s where creativity lives. And it’s happening all around us.

If you’re looking to create a career plan that leads to a successful career, find a new position. Or Shake things up in your career path by making a career change.

Here are some rules worth breaking or at the very least, bending!

1. only apply to jobs you’re 100% qualified for

Yes, you should absolutely apply for roles that align with your qualifications and skills. But don’t feel like you must satisfy every listed requirement on the job description.

The truth is, a job description is an employer’s wishlist – they’re painting a picture of their ideal candidate.

Most employers are flexible about the years of experience, background, and skills required. What matters most to them is that you're a good fit for the role.

Every job has a learning curve. If you think you could be successful in the role with a little training, go for it!

Increasingly, employers are looking for education, experience, and a willingness to learn, which contributes to employee engagement. They know they can teach skills but not talent or personality.

So stretch a little; if you don’t reach, you’ll never learn anything new or grow. And what’s the point of that?

2. apply to all the jobs

Learning new skills is essential for your career growth. Only applying to jobs you're 100% qualified for might limit your opportunities. It's okay to stretch and apply for roles that require some growth. Career advancement opportunities come from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Job-hunting can be soul crushing. At some point, you may find yourself applying for anything that seems even remotely applicable. Don’t. Step away from the keyboard. Breathe. This is the time to remember what you’re looking for.

Take time to customize your resume and cover letter for each role you apply for. It’s quality you want, not quantity. Reach out to your network. Stay tuned in.

A targeted approach is far more effective and satisfying in the long run.

3. don’t talk money

Unless you’re working with a recruitment professional, you’ll often go into an interview in the dark about salary range.

Many opportunities don’t mention salary, and for some reason, popular wisdom is not to discuss money until an offer is on the table.

That workplace etiquette has to change. Let’s be honest, the reason you need a job is to get paid. That makes salary a crucial consideration in whether the job is right for you.

Ask about a salary range in the initial interview and ensure your career goals align with the company's compensation. It's about feeling empowered in your negotiations.

You don’t have to get into specifics (discussing a range helps with this) but you should know if you’re in the right ball park.

You’ll be saving yourself and your prospective employer time by pulling the plug if you’re light years apart.

4. don’t ask too many questions in interviews

This piece of advice is so wrong it’s almost comical that it became a piece of advice in the first place. Ask. Many. Questions.

Ask all the questions! It’s an opportunity for you to learn more about the organization in ways that really matter – feel free to ask about work culture, what a successful candidate looks like or opportunities for growth.

The questions you ask tell the hiring manager as much about you as your resume does. Questions generate a productive two-way conversation that paints a 3-dimensional picture of the role, culture, and organization you’re interviewing at. A wise hiring manager will appreciate insightful questions.

5. do as you’re told

Old-fashioned career advice will tell you to do as your manager asks and keep your head down. They’re the boss, and it’s your job to listen. No.

The truth is, in today’s fast-paced working environment, yes men and women are far less valuable than employees who challenge the status quo, ask questions, and drive positive change.

Professional life involves more than just doing as you're told. Challenging the status quo contributes to a positive workplace culture. Don’t just aim for a higher position, aim for making a difference.

There’s nothing wrong with challenging your boss if you have concerns about their directives. Just because you were told to do something, doesn’t make it the right decision.

Never accept an answer like ‘because this how we do things here’ either.

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6. work hard and good things will come

This little bit of advice is as old as time. It’s almost karmic. Do good and you shall be rewarded. Though this sounds good in theory, it doesn’t always play out in real life.

Sometimes simply working hard won’t be enough to get that raise you’ve been hoping for or snag a promotion you’ve been eyeing in performance reviews.

Now we’re not advocating a nihilistic, slack-off-because-work-is-meaningless view. You should absolutely work hard and do your job to the best of your ability.

However, working hard isn’t the end-all-be-all of your career.

• It’s okay to ask for things you want in your job.
• It’s okay to take some downtime for yourself.
• It’s okay to work smarter rather than harder.
• Use your vacation days. Take a break to grab a coffee and chat with coworkers.
• Leave the office a little early sometimes.

Good employers understand that maintaining work-life balance is essential to maximizing productivity. Additionally, this approach significantly fosters a vibrant and positive company culture.

7. it’s impossible to ‘have it all’

Let’s settle this one once and for all: it is absolutely possible to have it all.

Find the right employer — one who gets the value of work-life balance and respects your life beyond work. Once you do, you'll realize that suddenly, anything is possible.

In today’s 21st century workplace, there’s more flexibility than ever before. With remote work, freelancing, contract jobs, and many other forms of non-traditional work, new opportunities arise. It's absolutely possible to 'have it all,' if that's what you want.

Planning your career trajectory is a dynamic process. It's not confined to the limitations of traditional careers. The world of work has changed dramatically.

It’s also the case for other elements of your career like salary, benefits, retirement savings, and flexibility.

There’s no reason you should feel like you must sacrifice one to get another. Great employers will work with you to find the right balance for everyone.

Take it a step ahead, read this testimony about maternity leave (somewhere between anxiety and bliss!)

8. advancing means climbing the corporate ladder

Advancing in your career doesn't solely mean climbing the corporate ladder. In today's diverse workplaces, there are various paths to growth.

If a managerial role isn't your goal, that's perfectly fine. Consider lateral moves for better pay or venture into entrepreneurship as a consultant or freelancer.

Alternatively, contentment in your current position is valid. You don't need constant promotions for career satisfaction. Embrace different paths that suit your aspirations.

9. love what you do

Finding complete love for your job isn't always feasible. While we're advised to seek fulfilling work, the concept of a 'dream job' can be unrealistic.

It's valid to prioritize financial needs, like student loans and rent. Accepting a role based on various factors is reasonable.

For many, work supports their true passions – funding travels or their children's interests. Loving your job isn't essential; valuing stability and saving for the future is important too.

Adoring every aspect of your work isn't necessary. However, you can appreciate elements such as your colleagues, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact.

10. stay as long as possible

In today's changing work world, sticking to one company for life has changed. While loyalty is valued, long stays might raise concerns about growth and skills.

Embracing change, however, fuels growth and shapes your career path. It's about revitalizing your network, forming fresh connections, and invigorating your journey.

Our disruptive times breed innovation by rewriting norms at lightning speed. Evolution itself thrives on rule-breaking.

Every growth, shift, or adaptation challenges the status quo in a positive light. Change, flexibility, and agility intertwine to spark progress.

This outlook benefits both job seekers navigating the future and forward-looking businesses aiming to prosper. True advancement is synonymous with breaking barriers.

Read more : is staying in a job too long hazardous to your career?

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