What My Job Taught Me: Hard Truths and Lessons Learned

When I first started my job, I was eager, idealistic, and ready to prove myself. Over time, reality hit- hard. Here’s what I learned, the good , the bad and the ugly, about workplaces, promotions, politics, and self-advocacy.

What I Learned To Do

1. The Job Can Be Learned: Formal Education Isn’t Everything

   I realized that many people in managerial or executive roles didn’t have MBAs or formal business training. If they could learn on the job, so can anyone. Experience often trumps theory.

   
   

2. Office Politics Exist Everywhere (Yes, Even There)

   I kept hoping to find a workplace free of politics, but it doesn’t exist. Every company has cliques, favoritism, and unwritten rules. Ignoring it won’t make it go away -navigating it is part of survival.

   
   

3. Visibility > Hard Work

   The people who get promoted, raises, or bonuses aren’t always the ones putting in long hours or doing the groundwork. They’re the most visible - the ones who speak up in meetings, take credit, and remind leadership of their contributions. Hard work alone doesn’t guarantee recognition.

   
   

4. Passport Privilege Is Real

   I saw firsthand that financial advantages (salaries, opportunities) often go to those with strong passports, not necessarily the most educated or experienced. It’s an unfair system, but it’s the reality in many global workplaces.

   
   

5. "We’re a Family" Is a One-Sided Relationship

   Companies love saying, "We’re like a family!" - until you expect the same loyalty in return. They expect you to sacrifice, go above and beyond, and treat the company as your own. But the moment you ask for something? "This is a business, not a charity."

   
   

6. No One Will Reward You Unless You Ask

   I thought being punctual, reliable, helping others, take over projects of someone else and hardworking would get me noticed. Nope. If you want to be rewarded with a raise, promotion, or even acknowledgment, you have to ask for it. Waiting for initiative from leadership is a losing game.

   
   

7. Leaving on Good Terms? The Company Might Still Take It Personally

   If you resign - even politely - some employers act like it’s a betrayal. But if they lay you off? You’re expected to be understanding. The double standard is real.

   
   

8. Speaking Up Can Backfire

   I learned that raising concerns to fix problems often marks you as a "Troublemaker." And if you say yes to tasks outside your role once, they’ll assume it’s your job forever. The first time you say no? Suddenly, you’re the difficult one.

   
   

What I Learned Not To Do

1. Don’t Assume Hard Work Speaks for Itself

   It doesn’t. Track your achievements, put them on paper with tangible numbers, communicate them, and make sure the right people know your value.

   
   

2. Don’t Say Yes to Everything

   Being accommodating can backfire. Set boundaries early, or you’ll end up overworked and resentful.

   
   

3. Don’t Expect Fairness

   The workplace isn’t a meritocracy. Recognize the game (politics, privilege, visibility) and play it strategically.

   
   

4. Don’t Wait for Permission to Grow

   If you want to advance, don’t wait for someone to hand you opportunities. Seek mentors, ask for projects, and create your own path.

   
   

5. Don’t Take "We’re a Family" at Face Value

   Protect your time, energy, and mental health. Loyalty should go both ways - if it doesn’t, prioritize yourself.

   
   

My job taught me resilience, skepticism, and the importance of self-advocacy. The corporate world isn’t fair, but understanding its unwritten rules helps you navigate it better.

What hard lessons have you learned at work? Share in the comments - I’d love to hear your stories.