Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Best and worst advice you ever got at work

15 replies

ladybranstonpickle · 16/11/2021 09:25

I've recently come out of a very difficult period at work, that began when I returned from mat leave in January this year, and was capped by my requesting a change in line management due to bullying - thankfully my request was granted and I feel a lot better now. But I've been thinking a lot about what I wish I had known years ago, or what I might tell my younger self about the world of work and how to navigate it.

Some of the best advice I ever read, was that everyone loves enthusiasm - thank the admin staff profusely when they do you a favour, support your colleagues ideas i.e. don't be quick to criticise, just generally always try to be positive about things. The worst I got was that because I had loved writing and was good at English, to go into editorial work - so boring and I was never a perfect proofreader. I'm a much better copywriter and creative than copyeditor. I spent years struggling in the wrong role, though, and was miserable for it.

What would you tell your younger self? What's the best thing you've ever done for yourself at work?

OP posts:
PlaymobilMania · 16/11/2021 09:29

I’ve realised how much stuff I can get away with NOT doing without it making any difference whatsoever to my reviews / pay rises etc.

So now I don’t bother with any social / CSR / non-mandatory training and various other stuff.

Obviously this depends on your specific employer though!

PlaymobilMania · 16/11/2021 09:31

Also don’t be too loyal or care too much.

In 99% of cases your employer doesn’t care about you & won’t think twice about screwing you over if it suits them

alongtimeagoandfaraway · 16/11/2021 09:38

Best advice was from a boss who pointed out that you don’t win arguments by being right (which he acknowledged I usually was) but by making people want to work your way. That’s helped me a lot over the years.

Worst was probably my first boss in the mid 80s who warned me off getting too involved with the emerging IT needs in the office as ‘you don’t want to be labelled as the computer girl’. I’d be a lot richer now if I’d ignored that advice!

Mimilamore · 16/11/2021 09:38

Everybody is blagging it, some just cover it better

DecentPleasant · 16/11/2021 09:44

Early on…manage expectations. If you’re not going to meet the deadline you need to tell the ‘stakeholder’ in advance.

Phrase things positively rather than complain.
Be polite to everyone in the building: post room, security, lift assistant, CEO.
Make decisions. Don’t sit on stuff because you’re scared of making a decision.

RedCarsGoFaster · 16/11/2021 09:46

Sometimes you need to shut up and listen. Don't be the gobby person in the office ALL. THE. TIME.

I needed to be told it.

ladybranstonpickle · 16/11/2021 12:22

@alongtimeagoandfaraway agreed! I strongly believe most people don't remember what you said/did but how you made them feel.

@DecentPleasant wise words - something that is hard when you are starting out or lacking confidence, but its so important.

OP posts:
Mama1980 · 16/11/2021 12:32

Best advice: loyalty pays. Be loyal and work hard. Brilliant advice my employer has repaid my loyalty a thousand times over. Going so far as to pay me over and above as they knew I was struggling and bringing me shopping.

Worst advice: don't bother packing the skull/pot interior before you lift - always pack if hollowed out lol! (Archaeologist)

EnrouteNOTonroute · 16/11/2021 12:35

“Don’t think they won’t eventually replace you if you left or died”
Gave me the gumption to put myself first and not the NHS whom I was working for at the time and was very loyal to

minipie · 16/11/2021 12:45

Best advice - If you’re considering leaving - talk to us and we may be able to change the job to more what you want. Don’t just resign.

Worst advice - if you go part time you’ll never get promoted. I chose part time and gave up on promotion, but I shouldn’t have had to choose.

Blahblahblow · 17/11/2021 20:20

I would highly recommend reading ‘How Women Rise’ it’s bloody spot on and about 75% of the career harming habits apply to. I wish I’d read it years ago.

Essential reading for all women with careers.

Blahblahblow · 17/11/2021 20:29

Best advice: you have a day job to do, but you also have a second job- your career- which needs attention and management. Doing just your day job and letting your work‘speak for itself’ will not get you very far.

Worst advice: Perfection and long hours brings career success. It doesn’t.

BashfulClam · 17/11/2021 22:59

Pick your battles, be careful who you trust and don’t ever give too much away as some people love to stab others in the back. Always keep notes on your performance so that during reviews you have it all available. Be friendly to everyone no matter what they do as they can be promoted over you at any point and also sometimes can actually be really useful to have on side.

8Track · 17/11/2021 23:12

Best - "You need to find something to do that is worth getting out of bed for each morning." Exactly the push I needed to take my work in a sideways direction into a different industry, where I am a hundred percent happier and more motivated. So simple, but really hit home!

Worst - "I want you to come to me with solutions, not problems." From a previous boss who I was then unable to ask for help with some really difficult work situations. Among a whole lot of family illness and a new PTSD diagnosis I was unable to cope and resigned.

lunarlandscape · 17/11/2021 23:22

Under promise and over deliver. It makes employers and clients love and trust you.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page