When Career Advice Becomes Noise: Finding Your Own Voice

Too much career advice can get in the way.
Not because it’s wrong, but because it can drown out your own voice.

In a recent personal development planning workshop, a recent graduate said something that’s stayed with me:

“I’ve had loads of career advice lately… but I know I have to figure out which bits are right for me.”

That put a massive smile on my face.

It reminded me of Baz Luhrmann’s words from the song Everybody's Free: (see the attached image).

Most advice is given in good faith, but it’s often shaped by someone else’s story, priorities, or hindsight. It’s polished, repackaged, and passed on. And while it may be useful, it isn’t always yours.

That’s why I care so much about helping people uncover what truly lights them up.
Because good advice can be helpful, but it's self-awareness that moves you forward.