Beware of Career Advisors

I have always had the view that we should be very careful on who we get our career advice from early on in life, especially during the school days.

The following are people a person should NEVER get career advice from:
1. Parents
2. Relatives
3. Close friends
4. Teachers

Here is why - a person should only get career advice from people who have succeeded in some way in their careers. For example, if your father is an Engineer, and you would like advice about the Accounting profession, then it is not wise for you to seek advice from him. If he happens to be a really successful Accountant, then yes.

This goes the same with Relatives and Close Friends. Especially relatives. Most of them are just nosey people who think they know what's best for you. Again, if they happen to highly successful in their respective fields from which you want answers, then go ahead. Otherwise... beware.

'Tecahers' is a sensitive topic here. Teachers can teach...but... only about subjects that they have been trained to teach e.g. maths, statistics, accounting, physics. But from what I know, most teachers have not been trained and do not have deep experience in relations to different professions. Unless, of course, if the teachers happens to be a highly successful lawyer but decided to teach law because she wants to contribute to society - then I would advice you to take advice from this teacher (but only in the field of law, nothing else).

We have too many 'advisors' trying to tell us what to do every step of the step of the way. Be very careful, but do not be rude. Just say 'thanks' and seek the real pros.

Note to parents:- I hope that you try NOT to pressure or give advice to children about their careers. Help and support them, but do not mislead them if you are not sure yourselves. The days of "you must be a doctor, accountant, lawyer, engineer etc..." are gone. Give them the freedom but guide them to the proper resources and people for the real advice.


I have got many many hate mails from this message. But... I have also gotten a lot of 'thank you' notes. Anyway, it's your choice.

-TURD-