How To Handle Unsolicited Career Advice

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Sometimes people can mean well when they try to give you advice or help along your journey. I was recently thinking about this regarding careers in particular. Perhaps someone may make an unsolicited career suggestion or offer themselves as a mentor because they genuinely want to help. But this doesn’t mean that they necessarily know what’s best for you. They may only see what seems to be the best option for you. Though this doesn’t mean they know what the best outcome will be. Those big dreams, goals or ideas that have been deposited into your spirit or those tugs of intuition that you keep experiencing.

Note that there is nothing wrong with someone offering help. But what is wrong is when you allow this to shift or question your goals. Consider their advice or suggestions if it is something you’d be interested in. If not, thank them and let them know how they can help on your terms (if you want any) and keep it at that. Ultimately the decision will be up to you. And if you make the wrong decision based on someone else’s prediction of what you should do with your life, you will continually beat yourself up over it. On the other hand, even if you make your own decision and fail, at least you tried. And the lessons learned will be invaluable.

Going a step further, do embrace your goals and dreams but also do your homework. Research, take into account what you’re willing to sacrifice, be knowledgeable about what it will take. Establish that foundation so you aren’t easily swayed in one direction or another.

Moral of the story: Be appreciative of those that are genuinely trying to help. Consider any pieces of advice that sound interesting but don’t let that be the sole factor to determine your outcome. Be rooted in your goals. And if you’re not sure what those are, do the homework for yourself to explore options first.