Sixty Controversial Career Lessons to Make You or Break You

In this fast- paced society, many of us have worn plenty of hats. Unlike our parents, which stood with a company until retirement, we are nomads in the work place, always looking for the oasis that will quench the thirst for new skills, learning and money. These are different times. Pensions have been replaced by 401K’s, pay raises have been cap, and the “old loyalty” between employer and employee has been replaced by the new generation of “cheaper temps” ready to produce. It was bound to happen as we moved from the industrial age to the information age – inevitable. But no matter how long the journey, we – the nomads of today – have learned something on the way. Following, are a few lessons and pointers that this nomad learned by observation and participation. Some are controversial; others just defy your programming.

1. Hard work + good intentions do not equal more money.
2. Work for pennies and you get exactly that – pennies. What were you thinking?
3. Every decision you make affects you and you the most.
4. What you think of yourself is what you become, in life as well as in the workplace.
5. Your greatest loyalty is to yourself.
6. Don’t be one of the cows; own the cows and the farm instead.
7. Stay in one place, with contentment, and you will be left with nothing.
8. Sometimes you just have to tell people what they want to hear.
9. School doesn’t teach you real life.
10. “Appearance” is what people see, and sometimes, the only thing they want to see.
11. Try at least twice … then, move on.
12. At the end, the government keeps everything if you don’t outsmart it.
13. Your priorities right now will dictate your position later.
14. Opportunity knocks … watch out for it!
15. Don’t get mad, outlearn them.
16. If you don’t take care of your money, others will (take it).
17. The more informed you are the better you feel.
18. Stand your ground = respect.
19. Pay attention to your surroundings; a lesson is at the corner.
20. Never feel you “owe”, as to sell your dreams or self.
21. Jobs kill your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Networking pays.
22. In general, people like people that babble. Babbling impress people.
23. Everybody fence for themselves!
24. Sometimes, it’s just a man’s world.
25. Watch your back!
26. You can do it!
27. You follow, you’ll get lost. Worst, you will lose yourself.
28. Brainwashing is easily achieved.
29. The rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer.
30. Ask and you shall receive.
31. The game is being played at all levels.
32. Don’t trust and turn your back at the same time.
33. What you say and what you think are worlds apart.
34. You can sell the moon.
35. People “wants” are their weaknesses.
36. “Chameleons” survive longer.
37. “To use or to be used, that is the question.”
38. Anyone will manage; anyone can’t manage.
39. Take upon and you will take over.
40. Pay yourself first.
41. No knowledge = Chaos.
42. Everything has a price, you just have to find how much.
43. If you follow, how can you get noticed?
44. People will work for free.
45. Fear paralyzes.
46. It’s all about control.
47. Update or get behind.
48. Speak one language: money.
49. People are power hungry. Who me? Nooo.
50. Mind others and others won’t mind you.
51. Friendship and business are two separate worlds.
52. People are easily impressed. Who me? Nooo.
53. In equal partnership, there is always one leader.
54. Play it smart or be played.
55. Your self esteem gets affected by what you do.
56. Sometimes there is just one rule: Me, myself, and I.
57. Everybody sees; everyone is blind.
58. Once a liar, always a liar.
59. Sometimes performance reviews keep your boss employed.
60. You are your best cheerleader.