Ask HN: What's the Most Useful Piece of Career Advice You've Received?

7 schappim 6 4/15/2025, 8:36:20 PM

Comments (6)

Doctor-R · 15d ago
Ages ago, when secretaries (usually female) were still common in offices, my boss told me "learn the names of all of the secretaries and say hello <name> every time you see them. If they know you and like you, they will probably do you a favor, when you need it. They are the important people running the company."

You have to do visible, great work.

Uzmanali · 15d ago
The best advice I ever got was from a mentor who told me: Your network is your net worth but only if you give more than you take.
toomuchtodo · 15d ago
50% of your job is being liked by your manager and those you work with. The rest can be taught.
BMc2020 · 15d ago
Show up on time every day.
krupan · 15d ago
Sorry, I've got more than one.

Learn how to manage your manager

Make sure the work you do is maximally visible (at least to your co-workers)

devonnull · 15d ago
Take what you do seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.