"A diploma in hand is what will guarantee you a good job" or "work while they sleep". Surely you have heard some of these or other pieces of advice about the job market and the "formula" for success. Well, be aware that these pieces of advice are outdated and can no longer serve as a guide for your career. With the increasingly rapid advancement of technology, the emphasis on soft skills, and the changing relationship between work and purpose, many of these rules no longer apply. The founder of QUARE and people development specialist, Carolina Valle Schrubbe, points out the advice that no longer makes sense and what should be adopted instead.
- Stay at the same company until you retire
For a long time, stability was synonymous with success. Today, changing jobs can mean growth, new challenges, and better financial opportunities. "The market values diversity of experiences and adaptability. Professionals who constantly reinvent themselves tend to have more dynamic and successful careers," explains Carolina.
- A diploma guarantees a good job
If an academic background was once a passport to success, today, the weight of practical skills, experience, and soft skills only continues to grow. "Your study remains important; what has changed is that companies are increasingly focused on behavioral skills and problem-solving, not just what is in the curriculum," says the specialist.
- 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 humility to listen to different perspectives," reinforces 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 are afraid of making mistakes end up missing out on growth opportunities," emphasizes the founder of Quare. Many of the greatest innovations arose precisely from attempts that failed 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 have an impact, and not just accumulating overtime," he/she states.
- Women need to 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This view is outdated.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 specialist.
- Age is a limiting factor for success
The modern job market values age diversity and the experience that older professionals bring. "There is no right age to reinvent oneself. The key is to stay updated and open to new opportunities," concludes Carolina.
But if these pieces of advice are no longer valid, what should be followed 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 learnKnowledge renews itself quickly. Be willing to constantly acquire new skills.
- Invest in self-knowledgeUnderstanding your strengths and values helps in decision-making and building a career aligned with your goals.
- Be adaptableKnowing how to handle changes and challenges is a competitive advantage.
- Balance personal and professional lifeBurnout is not a price to pay for success. Managing time and limits is essential for productivity and creativity.
- Your personal brand mattersThe 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 behind outdated advice 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 uncertainties. The current scenario requires constant adaptation, and those who rigidly cling to what they already know may end up limiting their own growth. Embracing uncertainties is fundamental," concludes the specialist.
