Unpopular career advice you need to know

What you need to know:

Titles don’t get you hired, don’t make you valuable, and don’t guarantee success. Your skillset does. The more problems you can solve, the more valuable you become. Stop chasing the title and start mastering the skills that make you indispensable.

1. Small talk can open big doors. Small talk might feel pointless at times, but you can’t afford to ignore it. Relationships build opportunities, and if you’re invisible, you’re replaceable. The quick chats aren’t just random filler moments; they are opportunities to create trust, open doors to mentorship, and make collaboration easier. People promote and support people they like. Your skills might get your foot in the door, but your relationships determine how far you go. If people don’t enjoy working with you, they won’t go out of their way to help you succeed. My department head often tells me, “Likeability is a skill you can't teach,” and I agree. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do have to engage. Ask about someone’s weekend. Talk about Simba vs Yanga. Recommend a great Iftar buffet. These small moments make work more enjoyable and can set you up for success.

Unpopular career advice you need to know

What you need to know:

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Vikindu children join clean-ups as communities prepare for El Niño rains

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