“Focus on professional success before looking for happiness in your career.”

It sounds weird to tell someone that they shouldn’t seek happiness in their job, but it really is a great piece of advice. Why? Because often times, the company you work for could care less if you’re happy with what you do. Your company is only interested in results, which is the only thing you should be concerned with.

“Treat your job hunt like a career.”

Hiring managers can smell desperation a mile away and they don’t like it. If you’re looking for a job, then act like your job hunt is your job. Keep a schedule, create task lists and execute them, and do everything you would do if you had a job. When you walk into an interview with the glow of someone who has a task to complete , you’ll change your interviewer’s demeanor. You cannot fake confidence. If you’re looking for a job but are currently working, then don’t act like you’re sneaking around. Stand tall and give strong handshakes when you walk through the door of a hiring manager to talk about your next career move.

“Don't be afraid to get fired.”

You’ll compromise yourself and your career goals if you’re just trying to not get fired. As you put together your career, you’re bound to ruffle a few feathers. You’ll need to learn how to wade through office politics to get things done, but you should never do something just because you’re afraid of being fired. There are always exceptions to this rule, but you learn those exceptions when you develop your skills for reading people. Be smart whenever you make a decision, but stick to your guns when you know you’re right.