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Don’t follow general advice blindly
The issue with career advice in general, and it’s such an issue for 80,000 Hours, is how insanely context-relative it is. Not just from person to person, but even within a person’s life.
“Be an entertaining interviewee” is a great one. Doesn’t work for the leetcode grind interviews, but turning on a bit of charm and honest entertainment goes pretty far. People like working with people they like.
I'm less inclined to take this advice (though much of it is fine) because there is no name attached to it. Why would I take an unknown person's advice on something? How do I know I can trust them if I don't know anything about their career?
Even more importantly, I don't know the context behind any of this advice, which is needed to process it appropriately.
Some examples:
> If you need a PhD, get through it ASAP.
Is this really good advice? I would encourage people to be extremely skeptical about getting PhDs - i.e., work in the real world first - and then if you still really want to do one, do it well, so that you have a shot at the kind of post-PhD opportunities that would make it worth it.
> Develop specific skills and think about specialising early.
The anecdote on this is weird and I'm not sure I agree (depends on what they mean by "specialize"). If by specialize, they mean "major in something practical" sure I agree with that. If by specialize, they mean, "aim to become a expert in some niche in your field in college", disagree.
> Be wary of slow feedback loops.
Agree mostly, but disagree with the specific examples given. If you know you want to be a lawyer, go to law school.
> Be strategic in your career decisions.
Agree, but the opposite advice would also be fine: careers are long and complex, so don't attempt to be overly strategic early on.
> Think about going to a startup.
This just looks like startup shilling.
> When you’re great at your job, no one’s advice is that useful.
Not sure this is true.
> Know the relevant senior people.
Not sure this is THAT important early on in your career.
> Be irrationally optimistic.
Useful if you are in sales or a founder, but for most other careers (e.g., engineering), I would advise rational optimism.
Could someone explain why this is being downvoted? I didn't mean it in a snarky way, I just am not able to place some of this advice without knowing who it is from!
I didnt down vote you, but your asking to become more self aware ( Could someone explain why...)
I think you lost your reader on your first sentence.
Maybe don't read an article called " Anonymous advice" and lead with "...less inclined..why would I take...anonymous advice'.
I was expecting stuff like, You'll be on your death bed for a week at most and probably high on drugs. Do not plan life for the end 5 mins.
If work matters more than family now, chose work.