Because doing everything “right” can still get you stuck.
Let’s be honest, most of us grew up with a mental checklist of how to build a “successful” career:
✔️ Work hard
✔️ Get good grades
✔️ Stay loyal
✔️ Get a degree
✔️ Don’t rock the boat
Sounds familiar? It did to us too. But what if we told you that many of these so-called rules are outdated and in today’s market, they might be doing more harm than good? 😬
In this edition, we’re busting some of the most common career myths we’ve heard from our candidate community. For each one, we’ll share a real-world story, explain why it no longer works, and leave you with a smarter move to make instead.
🛠️ Myth #1: “Just work hard and you’ll be rewarded.”
Reality check: Hard work is important but without visibility, strategy, or self-advocacy, it can lead straight to burnout. 😓
Story:
“I stayed at the same company for 3 years, working late nights and taking on extra responsibilities without being asked. I thought if I just kept delivering, someone would eventually recognize me.
Then a new hire came in, started asking for stretch projects, scheduled monthly 1:1s with our VP, and got promoted within 6 months. That’s when I realized: working hard is not the same as working smart.”
Smarter move: Don’t wait to be noticed. Schedule regular check-ins, track your wins, and speak up about your goals. 📣
🎓 Myth #2: “Get a master’s degree and your career will skyrocket.”
Reality check: Degrees can open doors, but they’re not a magic ticket. Today, talents are hiring for skills, not just credentials. 🎯
Story:
“I took out a loan and invested over $50K in a master’s program. I expected recruiters to line up once I graduated. Instead, I kept hearing, ‘Do you have any real-world experience?’ I ended up accepting a $20/hour contract role just to start somewhere. I wish I’d balanced school with internships or freelance projects.”
Smarter move: If you’re considering grad school, make sure it’s paired with hands-on work experience. Or explore certification programs, bootcamps, or project-based learning that deliver both skills and results. 🧑💻
🧷 Myth #3: “Stay loyal to one company — they’ll take care of you.”
Reality check: Loyalty doesn’t guarantee job security. Companies evolve, restructure, or shift strategy all the time, its business, don’t take it personally. 🌀
Story:
“I spent 8 years at the same company. I gave them everything, even skipped a few vacations to cover projects. When they restructured, I was part of the first wave of layoffs. Two weeks’ severance, and that was it. I didn’t even have a portfolio or updated LinkedIn because I never thought I’d need them.”
Smarter move: Stay engaged where you are, but always keep your career toolkit sharp: update your résumé regularly, stay active in your network, and know your market value. 🧰
🕳️ Myth #4: “You need a perfect career path with no gaps.”
Reality check: Career gaps, pivots, and detours aren’t red flags anymore, in fact, they often show resilience and initiative. 🌱
Story:
“I was terrified of a gap year on my résumé, so I tried to hide it. But during one interview, I opened up about a startup I launched during that time. The hiring manager lit up, they loved my initiative and problem-solving. That conversation is what landed me the role.”
Smarter move: Don’t hide your story, shape it. Talk about what you learned and how you grew during career gaps, transitions, or side projects. It might be the most interesting part of your background. 🎤
🤝 Myth #5: “Networking is fake and slimy.”
Reality check: Networking isn’t about schmoozing, it’s about building real, mutually beneficial relationships. 🧡
Story:
“I used to roll my eyes at the idea of networking. It felt so unreal. But after months of sending out résumés with no bites, I started having casual coffee chats with people in my industry. One of those conversations led to a referral and my current job. Turns out, 90% of good opportunities really do come from people, not job boards.”
Smarter move: Start with people you already know. Ask questions, offer help, and be genuine. You’re not “using” anyone, you’re building community. ☕
🎨 Myth #6: “Follow your passion, and money will follow.”
Reality check: Passion matters but without marketable skills or strategy, it can lead to underemployment. 💸
Story:
“I’ve always loved writing poetry. I thought I could turn that into a career. After a few years of struggling to pay the bills, I pivoted into UX writing, still creative, but way more in demand. I now work in tech and write on the side. I found a balance between what I love and what pays.”
Smarter move: Marry your passion with a skill that solves real problems for real companies. There’s almost always a bridge between what you love and what the market needs. 🌉
📢 Myth #7: “If you’re good, your work will speak for itself.”
Reality check: In today’s world, self-advocacy is a skill, not an ego trip. 🎙️
Story:
“I was the top performer in my team, but I never shared wins publicly or asked for recognition. My colleague, who was newer, regularly posted updates, shared learnings in meetings, and asked for feedback. Guess who got the leadership role? That was my wake-up call.”
Smarter move: Share your progress, ask for what you need, and tell your story. You don’t have to shout, but you do have to speak. 🗣️
If you’ve followed these myths and felt stuck, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. These were the rules of the past. But the future of work is different:
💡 It rewards visibility.
🌎 It values diverse paths.
🧩 It seeks adaptability.
📣 It demands self-advocacy.
At kala, we believe your career should be built on truth, not tradition. That’s why we’re here, not just to match you with jobs, but to support you in becoming a smarter, bolder candidate. ✨
Which myth have you believed and what are you ready to unlearn? Hit reply or connect with us on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear your story and make you feel part of the next edition.
