The Best Advice My Father Gave Me: Valuable Lessons for Aspiring Professionals

When I first started my career, my father's advice proved to be invaluable. He offered me insights that extended beyond the realm of work, touching on personal responsibilities, financial management, and life lessons. In this article, I will share the key pieces of advice that have shaped my perspective on my professional journey and how they continue to influence me today.

Never Argue with Your Boss

The first piece of advice I received from my father came at a party celebrating my first salary. He said, 'Never argue with your boss.' Back then, it felt like a straightforward rule. However, as I navigated my career, I realized the wisdom behind this statement. Bosses often have a wide perspective on the company that employees do not, and it's crucial to maintain a professional attitude even when you disagree. Arguing with a boss can damage your relationship and affect your standing within the organization.

Responsible Drinking and Financial Discipline

Another key piece of advice was about responsible drinking and personal finance. My father said, 'Drink alcohol but be in your limits, drink at home, but do not drink and drive. Quitting smoking is a difficult thing, but try to reduce smoking, and finally you have to quit smoking one fine day.' This advice taught me the importance of maintaining personal responsibility and making wise decisions. He also emphasized the need to save money, especially since he had saved for my education, ensuring I would have a bright future.

Career Growth and Skill Development

A third piece of advice came from my father when I started working in 1969. He advised me to treat the job as a learning process and to love the work I do. He stressed the importance of constantly updating skills and looking for growth both within and outside the organization. This guidance set me on a path of continuous improvement and advancement in my career. My father's wisdom has helped me navigate through challenging times and achieve professional success.

Professional Work Etiquette

In 2006, my father gave me two important pieces of advice to thrive in the workplace. Firstly, he taught me to love my work instead of merely the administrative aspects of the job. He said, 'Love your work and not the admin of your workplace because when the admin goes against you, you will never know.' This advice helped me maintain focus on my job's core responsibilities and not get sidetracked by administrative issues.

The second piece of advice was about documentation. My father advised me to immediately use my work email ID to make a minute of a meeting and mail it to the same person. This acts as a legal proof that the order was given to you. This practical tip has been invaluable in documenting work instructions and decision-making processes, which is crucial for maintaining clarity and avoiding misunderstandings.

Conclusion: The Enduring Value of a Father's Advice

Through these pieces of advice, my father taught me the value of professionalism, responsibility, and continuous learning. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career, and I am grateful for the lessons he imparted. Whether it is about handling disagreements with superiors, managing personal finances, or documenting work decisions, the advice has stood the test of time and continues to influence my professional life today.

In today's competitive job market, these principles remain relevant. By treating work as a learning process, maintaining personal responsibility, and documenting critical information, we can build resilient and successful careers.