The Harsh Realities of Ignoring Unsound Career Advice
As an ex-cop, I have witnessed a wide range of toxic workplace practices that are thankfully decreasing due to better awareness of their negative impacts. However, some deeply ingrained attitudes and pieces of advice continue to influence career and life choices, often with serious consequences. In this article, I will share two examples of harmful advice that have had a significant negative impact on both individuals and society.
Police Work: A Case of Inhumane Treatment
A particularly impactful piece of advice I received from a senior colleague was that the family of a suspect does not matter as much as the victim's family. This mindset led to situations such as the arrest and imprisonment of a single mother for charges that could have been resolved with fines, turning a blind eye to the well-being of the suspect's family.
The case that stands out to me is the arrest of a 14-year-old girl on charges of suspected robbery. Her parents were locked up, and she was made to leave the police station with nowhere to go. Later, the same girl was arrested for prostitution. This was one of the most shameful days in my career, as we failed to protect the innocent girl and overlooked the importance of treating her family with respect.
It is crucial to recognize that every criminal has a family, and innocent lives should not be disregarded. All parties involved in criminal cases, regardless of their guilt, should be treated with dignity and respect. Ignoring this aspect can lead to long-term damage not only to the families but also to the community as a whole.
The True Cost of Accepting Low-Balled Offers
Another example of harmful advice that had a significant impact is the case of misunderstanding salary negotiations. I learned a painful lesson when I joined a hospital as a nurse. My friend had advised me not to accept an offer lower than a certain amount, claiming that it would indicate I was being taken advantage of. This advice had a severe impact on my career trajectory.
I received an offer that was $500 less than the suggested amount, and although I initially declined the offer, I accepted it due to financial necessity. Later, I discovered that the market pay rate was indeed $500 less, and my friend's assurance that $X was the average pay was a complete fabrication. This experience made me question the true intentions behind his advice.
The lesson here is that not all pieces of advice, even from seemingly trustworthy sources, can be taken at face value. It is essential to verify information and seek multiple perspectives before making significant life and career decisions. Ignoring this advice meant that I settled for a position that was not reflective of my worth, impacting my career growth and personal well-being.
In both these cases, it is clear that accepting harmful advice can have severe negative consequences. It is important to critically evaluate the source of advice and its potential impact before acting on it. By doing so, we can make more informed and ethical decisions that benefit not only ourselves but also those around us and society as a whole.
Remember, while seeking career advice is essential, it is equally important to verify the information and consider the broader implications of the advice given.