Job Market Insight: Career Advice Employees Would Give to Their Younger Selves

What if you could go back and share some hard-earned wisdom with your younger self? The job market can be a challenging place, and many of us wish we had learned a few things in our early career. We asked members of the Rise Community what advice they’d give to their younger selves, and their responses were insightful, encouraging, and—at times—a bit surprising. Whether it's about taking risks, setting boundaries, or simply embracing the journey, their advice offers valuable lessons for those still navigating their career paths.

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Learn to Say No (And Mean It)

One recurring piece of advice in the responses is the importance of saying no. It sounds simple, but as User NY ⭐ puts it, "Learn to say no." It’s not just about turning down extra work; it’s about setting boundaries and protecting your mental health. Saying no more often can also open up opportunities to focus on what really matters, as User DN ⭐ points out: "Choose wiser and say no more."

Key takeaway: The earlier you learn to set boundaries and prioritize what’s important to you, the more control you’ll have over your career trajectory. Research published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who use the phrase “I don’t” instead of “I can’t” when declining tasks are more successful at setting boundaries. This subtle shift in language provides a sense of empowerment and ownership over one's decisions. Don’t be afraid to decline tasks or roles that don’t align with your goals or well-being.

Network Early, Network Often

Several members emphasized the power of networking. From connecting with colleagues to building relationships in your field, networking is a must. Anonymous simply advises, "Network as much as possible." Whether you're just starting or deep into your career, it’s never too early to start cultivating your professional network.

Practical tip: Start small—whether it's attending industry events or connecting with colleagues over coffee, these small actions can have a big impact over time.

Ask for Help—It’s Not a Sign of Weakness

One of the most important pieces of advice revolves around asking for help. User MG ⭐ advises, "Don't be afraid to ask for help; ask questions about how to do a task rather than the answer." Alex S echoes this, saying, "Ask for help. Not because you are weak. But because you want to remain strong." The lesson? Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of strength and a willingness to grow.

Find Something You’re Passionate About

When it comes to building a career, passion is crucial. User MH ⭐ reminds us, "Find something that truly interests you and that has the ability to keep your interests." User PH ⭐ echoes this sentiment, adding, "Get a profession, like a pharmacist, a lawyer, a veterinarian, a plumber, whatever it may be, something you can call a profession, and LOVE IT."

Key takeaway: The importance of loving what you do can’t be overstated. A career you’re passionate about is more sustainable and fulfilling in the long run.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

User LR reminds us not to be afraid of change. "Don't be afraid to pivot. Learn as much as you can and challenge yourself." Whether it’s shifting industries, learning new skills, or taking on different roles, staying flexible and open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected success.

Similarly, User ML ⭐ humorously notes, "Stay in college and finish your degree! You're just going to get mad at yourself when you're 40 and going back to school to finish! (true story!)"

Key takeaway: Career paths aren’t linear, and sometimes pivoting can bring you closer to a role that truly fulfills you.

Mental Health Matters—Take Breaks

Burnout is real, and several members stressed the importance of taking time for yourself. User EA ⭐ emphasizes, "Burnout is real and you need time to relax and recuperate." In a similar vein, User MP ⭐ advises, "Take your PTO. Mental health days are necessary." The message is clear—taking breaks and maintaining your well-being is just as crucial as working hard.

Key takeaway: Take those mental health days. Success doesn’t come at the cost of your well-being. According to a study by Gallup, nearly 76% of employees experience burnout on the job at least sometimes, with 28% reporting feeling burned out "very often" or "always." Breaks help to reset your mind, prevent burnout, and increase long-term productivity and job satisfaction. Success doesn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

Embrace Continuous Learning

User AL ⭐ encourages a mindset of growth, saying, "Embrace continuous learning. Lifelong learning is essential for personal growth and professional success." Whether it’s through formal education or informal skill development, staying curious and open to new knowledge can open doors throughout your career.

User CR ⭐ adds a creative metaphor, advising his younger self: "Take the thing you most like doing and put it on a shelf; you’ll need that later. Take the next thing you most like doing and develop the marketable skill(s) behind it."

Key takeaway: Never stop learning. The skills you build today will shape your future opportunities.

Know Your Worth and Advocate for Yourself

Perhaps one of the most empowering pieces of advice comes from User BF ⭐, who says, "Know your worth, always advocate for yourself." Self-advocacy in the workplace is vital—whether that’s asking for a promotion, negotiating your salary, or ensuring your work is valued.

Key takeaway: Don’t be shy about promoting yourself. If you don’t advocate for your worth, no one else will do it for you.

Avoid Toxic Workplaces

Your work environment can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional health. User HK ⭐ stresses, "Avoid staying in a toxic workplace for too long if you want to preserve your sanity. Your mental health comes first."

User MP ⭐ echoes this, reminding us, "Some people at work are not your friends, and after you leave, you will never speak with them again."

Key takeaway: Prioritize your mental health and never stay in a toxic work environment for too long. It’s okay to walk away for the sake of your well-being.

Take Risks and Don’t Be Afraid of Failure

Many respondents encouraged their younger selves to take more risks. User MM advises, "Take more risks. Don't be afraid to take a step back in order to move forward." Meanwhile, Gabrielle Glasgow adds, "Just go for it; you are capable of whatever you put your mind to."

Key takeaway: Don’t let fear hold you back. Taking risks and embracing failure is part of the growth process, and it can lead to incredible opportunities.

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If there’s one underlying theme in this wealth of advice, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out. User LA ⭐ sums it up perfectly: "Be okay with not having it figured out." Many of our best experiences come from learning along the way, making mistakes, and discovering what truly fulfills us.

So, if you’re feeling lost in your career or unsure about your next steps, remember—there’s still time to grow, learn, and pivot. Take risks, advocate for yourself, and, most importantly, take care of your mental and emotional health along the way. Your career journey is just that—a journey—and the lessons you learn today will only make you stronger tomorrow.