4 Pieces of Career Advice You Should Never Heed

When it comes to career advice, it's important to remember that advice in general is just that: advice. It is not the rule of law that you need to take 100 percent seriously. While advice is usually given to us by someone who cares with the sole intent of helping us succeed, it does not always mean they are qualified to give it to you. Here are some words of not-so-sage wisdom that you should ignore.

Though we agree that money is not the only thing you need to care about, the truth is that money is an important thing. Anyone who tells you differently is either living under far different circumstances than your average working individual or is undervaluing your worth. Choosing your career path goes hand in hand with choosing your desired lifestyle. If you want to live comfortably, take vacations, and occasionally buy gorgeous shoes, then money has to be a factor in your career decisions. Do not get stuck in the mindset that you have to choose between doing good and looking good.

Being amazing at your job and demanding the appropriate compensation for your efforts does not make you any less of a giving or charitable human being. It is 2016 and every single lady boss can have it all! You can be a beast in the workplace, a devoted charitable helper, and a lavish globetrotter, and anything else you so desire — all at the same time if that is what makes you happy.

Erase this statement from your memory! Going into every career situation believing that you only deserve to start at the bottom is a mistake. Taking a job too far below your educational or experience level can actually make it harder to gain the kind of job you want in the future.

Think of it this way: if you walked into Forever 21 and saw a dress you loved that was priced at $30 last week but is now carrying a $100 price tag, there is no way you could justify spending that much money on it. This is because you already have a preconceived idea of what it's worth and you're not able to rationalize spending any more for it. In the world of business, if you take a job or salary too far below what you have the experience or education to do, you are giving future employers an inaccurate show of your worth. Rebranding yourself after taking a job less than your value will take a lot of time and effort only to get you back to where you started.

An overwhelming majority of people do not have a passion — a singular passion. Most of us have many callings, desires, interests, and hobbies. So how are we supposed to choose just one? And are we doomed if we are unable to find the one unwavering passion in our life? Rather than focusing all of your energy on trying to cash in on your one passion, follow your bliss toward what career choices engage and inspire you. Do not be discouraged if you cannot pinpoint the one thing that will bring you eternal happiness and fortune. The truth is that as human beings, we are complex and constantly changing. It is far better to be happily aware that you have yet to find your passion than it is to blindly chase a false passion out of fear of getting left behind.

There might be a proverbial pecking order within most industries, an accepted path each employee must take to gradually move up the ladder. But regardless of what company you are working for, if you don't ask, the answer is always no. Simply waiting for your turn will not further you in your career. Showing initiative and understanding your worth will take you a lot farther a lot faster than sitting quietly and waiting to be awarded for your loyalty. Professionals need to stand confidently in their ability and demand improved compensation or greater responsibility in the workplace. The worst thing that can happen is that you are told no, which shows you where you stand and gives you the chance to have an open dialogue with your employer about how you can improve.