When You Just Can’t Listen Anymore

Dealing with unsolicited advice about your career can be a challenge we all face at some point. Whether it’s from well-meaning friends or family, it can be frustrating when someone tries to offer half-baked solutions to your work-related problems. The irony of discussing this topic in an article giving career advice that you didn’t ask for is not lost on me. The key difference here is that you have the choice to stop reading if you’re not interested, unlike in face-to-face scenarios.

Studies on human behavior suggest that people often give unsolicited advice to feel important and influential, rather than with ill intentions. To handle such situations, it’s essential to prevent them from getting that sense of power. A simple way to handle unwanted advice is by acknowledging it politely with a “thank you for the advice,” without necessarily committing to using it. This can help the person feel valued without prolonging the conversation.

If someone persists in pushing their advice on you, or even goes as far as insisting you act on it, it may be necessary to firmly express your lack of interest. You can politely decline by saying, “I appreciate your advice, but I have my own plan for this situation.” You don’t have to be confrontational unless they are being aggressive, in which case setting boundaries is acceptable. While they might not be thrilled with your response, they should understand your position.

Our lives already come with their share of challenges, and we don’t need those around us making half-hearted attempts to fix them. Unless someone has specific and relevant advice to offer, it’s perfectly acceptable for you to kindly decline their input.