The worst advice every generation received
Throughout your life, you will receive words of wisdom that will genuinely make an improvement in your life, and you will receive advice that is just downright bad. From financial to relationship advice, here are eight of the worst pieces of advice every generation has received.
You need a college degree to make a decent living
There have been numerous success stories that prove this point wrong. Steve Jobs dropped out of Reed College before starting one of the biggest tech companies in history. Brad Pitt was two weeks shy of graduating from the University of Missouri when he left for Los Angeles; years later, Pitt is an Oscar-winning actor. And Madonna was studying dance at the University of Michigan before dropping out to become one of the biggest pop stars in history.
In today’s society where college comes with a $70,000 price tag, it’s important to actually consider whether college is a worthy investment.
Own, don’t rent
For many, the American dream is to settle down and own a home. But owning can come with restrictions. You’re responsible for paying property taxes, maintenance, and repairs. These costs add up over time. Renting, on the other hand, doesn’t have these restrictions. With patience and diligence, renting an affordable home is attainable and worth it to save money.
You Only Live Once
Yes, do things you will never get to do again. Bungee jump at the Grand Canyon. Go to a World Cup game. Visit the Northern Lights in Sweden. These things may only happen a few times in your lifetime and it’s important to seize the moment — but make sure you’re planning and saving up ahead of time. Reckless spending will be a headache once the moment is over and you’re forced to face the consequences.
Long distance relationships never work
The “long distance relationships never work” advice is maybe one of the most common, bad pieces of advice you’ll hear. Long distance relationships work if you two are on the same page and the communication is there. Understanding where the relationship stands before committing to the relationship is vital.
Finding “the one” will happen when it happens
Rom-coms have raised our expectations in relationships. In the real world, you’re probably not going to find the love of your life by bumping into a stranger’s shoulders in a subway or accidentally denting a stranger’s car only to find “the one.”
“The one” takes time and patience. Some relationships come from a years-long friendship and others from a friend of a friend. Finding “the one” isn’t a linear process, and it certainly won’t happen right there and then.
Love takes work
Yes, relationships take communication and being there for each other. But that should be effortless and should come naturally. If communication feels like work or a chore, it’s a signal that things aren’t working out. It’s a brutal truth, but if you’re really in love, it shouldn’t make you stressed or tired.
You need to get your life figured out by the time you’re in your twenties
Society has made it seem that most people have their life together by the time they’ve graduated college. The reality is your career isn’t going to be set in stone by the time you’re in your twenties. You may already have a full-time job, and it might suck. Or you’ve realized you’re not enjoying your 9-5 corporate job. And that’s fine. You’re allowed to switch careers even after you’ve settled down; there is no shame in that.
Keep your head down and just work
While what you’re doing at work is important, it’s not what your entire profession revolves around. Advocating for yourself and your contributions signals you’re ready for something more. Additionally, the “keep your head down and just work” advice can lead to burnout as you’re constantly doing the same thing over and over again. Advancing in your career is not just about what you’re currently doing, but standing up for yourself.
Wrap Up
Nothing is certain in life and everyone is looking for advice to improve themselves. While some advice is helpful in the long run, there is bad advice that will make your life difficult. And most of the time, you won’t realize it’s bad advice until you actually pursue it.
Related:
- 15 pieces of Boomer advice that aged like expired milk
- 8 pieces of bad Boomer-era “common sense” advice not worth following
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