“You should apply for everything.”
“Have you thought about going back to study?”
“You should just take the first job you’re offered.”
If you’re looking for work or thinking about a career change, you’ve probably heard advice like this before.
Most people mean well and they want to help. But when everyone has a different opinion, it can be difficult to work out which advice is worth acting on.
The most helpful advice doesn’t tell you what decision to make. It helps you understand your options so you can make a decision that works for you.
How to decide which career advice to trust
Not all advice carries the same weight. When someone offers a suggestion, ask yourself:
- Does this apply to my situation?
- Is this person speaking from experience or making assumptions?
- Does this advice move me closer to the kind of work I want?
- Is it based on today’s job market?
You don’t have to act on every suggestion you receive. Sometimes it’s okay to simply thank someone for their advice and take some time to think about whether it fits your goals.
When advice doesn’t reflect your circumstances
Career advice is often shaped by the experiences of the person giving it. That means it may not reflect your own goals, strengths or circumstances.
For example, you might hear advice like:
- “Don’t mention your disability during the interview.”
- “Just apply for every job you can find.”
- “You should lower your expectations.”
- “You’ll never find flexible work.”
- “Any job is better than no job.”
While these comments are often well intentioned, they don’t always take into account your individual circumstances or today’s employment opportunities.
If you’re living with disability, managing a health condition, returning to work after time away or balancing other responsibilities, your pathway into employment may look different to someone else’s—and that’s okay.
What to do when advice feels overwhelming
Hearing lots of different opinions can make it harder to know what to do next. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking a step back before making a decision.
Ask yourself:
- What outcome am I hoping to achieve?
- Which advice aligns with my goals?
- Have I considered all of my options?
- Is this decision based on what’s right for me, or what someone else expects?
You don’t need to have all the answers straight away. Giving yourself time to think can help you make decisions with more confidence.
When to seek professional career advice
Sometimes, having an experienced person to talk things through with can help you see your options more clearly.
Professional career advice shouldn’t be about telling you what job to take. It should help you understand your strengths, explore different pathways and make informed decisions based on your goals and circumstances.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to work or considering a career change, having someone who understands today’s job market can make a real difference.
How WISE can support your employment journey
At WISE, our Job Coaches and Employment Partners take the time to understand your strengths, interests and employment goals.
Rather than recommending the same pathway for everyone, we’ll work with you to explore opportunities that suit your skills, circumstances and aspirations. We can also help you prepare for interviews, build your confidence, connect with employers and develop a plan that supports your long-term employment goals.
If you’re looking for personalised employment support, our team is here to help. Get in touch by registering as a WISE job seeker.