15 Hard Truths About Work No One will tell You

Let us skip the corporate fluff and get straight to it. These are not “hot takes.” These are things I wish someone had whispered in my ear early in my career, or even last year, to be honest. Because once you understand how the system really works, you stop getting caught off guard.

It is not about paranoia. It is about being prepared. So, here goes:

1. Working hard does not get you promoted. Being visible does.
You can be excellent and still invisible. If no one knows your name or what you bring to the table, it is like you were never there. Do good work, yes, but make sure the right people know about it.

2. Your job can be replaced. You cannot.
What stays with you is your personal brand—your voice, your work, your reputation. Companies restructure all the time. If you have not built something outside your job title, you are starting from scratch every time.

3. Loyalty does not pay the bills.
Jumping roles gets people 30 to 50 percent pay bumps. Staying put often gets you 3 percent and a thank you email. Be loyal to your values, not just a company.

4. Office politics are real and they matter.
You do not have to play dirty, but pretending the game does not exist will not protect you. Understand the dynamics. Navigate wisely.

5. Your manager is not your mentor.
They might support you when it aligns with their goals, but you are responsible for your own growth. Learn to advocate for yourself.

6. Burnout is not a flex.
No one’s handing out medals for running yourself into the ground. Protect your energy like it is your most valuable resource because it is.

7. “Open door policy” sounds nice, but it is not always safe.
Speak up too much, you are labelled difficult. Say nothing, and you fade into the background. Find your voice and use it strategically.

8. Your salary is not about your worth. It is about what you ask for.
If you do not negotiate, you are leaving money on the table. Every single time.

9. Networking is not just for extroverts. It is career insurance.
Your skills matter, but relationships open doors skills alone cannot. Stay connected, even when you do not need anything. That is how it works.

10. No one is coming to manage your career for you.
You are the plan. You are the backup plan too. Own your direction or you will end up somewhere random wondering how you got there.

11. DEI looks great in the annual report. But real change? That is rare.
Do not wait for the system to do right by you. Speak up. Back yourself. Stay alert.

12. Your job description is a rough outline, not a promise.
If you are capable, they will keep piling things on. If you are quiet, they will assume you are fine. You have to push back before you are drowning.

13. Most meetings are just noise.
People love meetings that make them feel important. Learn to tell the difference between actual decision-making and time-wasting.

14. Your ideas are not always safe.
People will take credit. It happens. Document everything. Keep receipts. If it matters, speak up.

15. There is no perfect workplace.
Every place has its mess. The goal is not perfection. It is alignment. Can you grow there? Can you breathe? Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Now if you are a career physiotherapist looking to grow, needing support with CV writing, interviews, or building strong supporting information for job applications, I offer mentorship services to help you succeed. Please reach out and I will be happy to help for a price