When you’re a bright-eyed academic newbie, everyone suddenly becomes a career guru. People love throwing advice your way (even if they have no idea what they’re talking about). Sometimes it’s actually helpful, but other times it’s a hot mess. Here’s a round-up of career advice I wish I had quietly side-eyed and kept walking.

1. Take every opportunity, say yes to everything, even if it doesn’t align with your interests
2. You need to have everything figured out by 25 (or 30… or 35)
3. Follow your passion, and the money will come
4. You need a perfect work-life balance
5. A PhD guarantees you a great job.

1) “Take every opportunity, say yes to everything, even if it doesn’t align with your interests”

This sounds ambitious, and in theory, it makes you look driven and eager. But burnout does not, in fact, build character. What’s the point of agreeing to help out on a study of fungal spores when my research interests are in neural development? The thing is, when you say yes to everything, you say no to rest, focus, and sometimes your own sanity! Not every opportunity is a good one; some are just distractions with a shiny label! If you’re always jumping at what looks good on paper, you risk ending up with a CV full of stuff that has nothing to do with where you actually want to go.

Do this instead: Ask yourself, will this help me grow in the direction I want? Is this just filling my calendar and not my desires? It is okay to pass. Prioritizing isn’t rude, it’s wise.

2) “You need to have everything figured out by 25 (or 30… or 35)”

Apparently, once you blow out the candles on your 25th birthday cake, you’re supposed to have your entire career trajectory planned out! Your retirement plan, where you’ll settle down, etc.! Spoiler: It’s okay to not even know what type of milk you prefer in your coffee! The pressure to have it all together is relentless! If you have strict plans you feel you HAVE to follow, this doesn’t allow room for growth and change. It may even hinder you from reaching your full potential. Social media doesn’t help with this pressure; one scroll, and it looks like everyone’s a CEO, award-winning researcher, and a part-time lifestyle guru. The truth? Most people are winging it, even the ones with glossy LinkedIn profiles.

Do this instead: Let yourself change and evolve. Careers aren’t microwave meals; they take time. Try things. Change your mind. Fail, learn, pivot. The only timeline that matters is yours.

3) “Follow your passion, and the money will come”

This piece of career advice sounds poetic, and I really do wish it were true! But unless your passion is building a money tree, it’s not always true! Yes, I do what I love, but I also love paying the bills! Romanticizing struggle doesn’t pay rent. Passion is powerful, but it doesn’t mean you should be financially illiterate. There are too many brilliant people who are underpaid or not paid at all because they were told their passion should be enough. It’s not selfish to care about money; it’s survival!

Do this instead: Be strategic about your passion. You can always pursue your passion with a side hustle to become more financially free. Ask awkward money questions. Check funding before you commit. Passion is the driver, but you still need fuel in the tank!

4) “You need a perfect work-life balance”

This sounds dreamy, right? But let’s be honest, there is no such thing as the perfect work/life balance. Don’t get me wrong, your work/studies shouldn’t be your whole life. However, there will always be days when you will need to prioritize work more than life. Some weeks, it’s 90% work and 10% sunlight. Other weeks, you might actually remember what your hobbies are. Recently, I realized the myth of perfect balance sets you up for failure. Real balance is messy, imperfect, and constantly shifting; there is no magical 50/50 split, and trying to force one is a recipe for guilt.

Do this instead: Aim for sustainable, not perfect. Recognize when you need a break. Give yourself grace when life leans a little one way. Balance isn’t a scale; it’s rhythms.

5) “A PhD guarantees you a great job.”

If I had a pound for every time someone told me this, I could fund my research. Does a PhD open doors? Absolutely! But some doors are still locked, stuck, or lead to another unpaid internship! The idea that a degree = job security is outdated at best and delusional at worst. The academic job market is tough, and industry isn’t always easier. Having a PhD is impressive, but you still need to network, upskill, and have a plan. The letters after your name don’t always come with a career map!

Do this instead: Use your PhD as a launchpad, not a finish line. Explore your options. Talk to people in different fields. Learn to market your skills beyond the lab!

Final Thoughts

Most advice comes from a good place, but some of it is better left unread. Your journey is yours. Trust your gut, ignore outdated wisdom, and feel free to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”