“A diploma in hand is what will guarantee you a good job” or “work while they sleep.” Surely you’ve heard some of these or other pieces of advice about the job market and the “formula” for success. Well, know that these tips are outdated and can no longer be the guide for your career. With the ever-increasing advancement of technology, the appreciation of soft skills, and the changing relationship between work and purpose, many of these rules no longer apply. The founder of QUARE and specialist in people development, Carolina Valle Schrubbe, points out the advice that no longer makes sense and what should be adopted instead.
- Stay at the same company until retirement
In the past, stability was synonymous with success. Today, changing jobs can mean growth, new challenges, and better financial opportunities. “The market values diversity of experience and adaptability. Professionals who constantly reinvent themselves tend to have more dynamic and successful careers,” explains Carolina.
- A diploma guarantees a good job
If academic education was once a passport to success, today, the weight of practical skills, experience, and soft skills only grows. “Your education remains important; what has changed is that companies are increasingly focused on behavioral competencies and problem-solving, not just what’s on the resume,” says the expert.
- You need to have all the answers
The leader of the past was the one who always knew everything. Today, knowing how to ask the right questions and collaborate with diverse teams is much more important. “The current market values those who seek continuous learning and have the humility to listen to different perspectives,” emphasizes Carolina.
- Failure is the opposite of success
“This idea has fallen apart. Failure is an essential part of the learning and innovation process. Those who fear making mistakes end up missing growth opportunities,” highlights the founder of Quare. Many of the greatest innovations emerged precisely from attempts that went wrong before succeeding.
- Work hard all the time
Effort is important, but productivity doesn’t mean being busy all the time. “The ideal is to work strategically, prioritizing tasks that truly generate impact, not just accumulating overtime,” she says.
- Women must choose between career or family
This view is outdated. Today, companies that promote flexibility and gender equity attract and retain talent. “Women can and should occupy leadership positions without having to give up their personal lives. Organizations that create inclusive environments are increasingly retaining talent,” emphasizes the expert.
- Age is a limitation for success
The modern job market values age diversity and the experience that older professionals bring. “There is no right age to reinvent yourself. The key is to stay updated and open to new opportunities,” concludes Carolina.
But if these tips are no longer valid, what should you follow instead?
If some rules no longer make sense in an increasingly technological job market focused on balancing employees’ personal and professional lives, other rules have gained strength. The director of Quare, Carolina Valle Schrubbe, highlights some of them:
- Learn to learn:Knowledge renews quickly. Be willing to constantly acquire new skills.
- Invest in self-awareness:Understanding your strengths and values helps in decision-making and building a career aligned with your goals.
- Be adaptable:Knowing how to handle changes and challenges is a competitive advantage.
- Balance personal and professional life:Burnout is not a price to pay for success. Managing time and boundaries is essential for productivity and creativity.
- Your personal brand matters:The way you position yourself professionally, whether on social media or in the corporate environment, influences your career. Be consistent and strategic.
She emphasizes that being open to transformations and leaving outdated advice behind is the first step to professional success today. “If I had to highlight a single essential piece of advice for those in the job market seeking professional growth, it would be: embrace uncertainty. The current scenario demands constant adaptation, and those who rigidly cling to what they already know may end up limiting their own growth. Embracing uncertainty is fundamental,” concludes the expert.
