Everyone has career advice. Follow your passion! Network! Work hard! But there's a lot of important stuff that nobody talks about, probably because it's not very inspiring or doesn't fit on a motivational poster.

Your First Job Will Probably Suck

And that's okay. Your first job isn't supposed to be your dream job—it's supposed to teach you what you don't want to do for the rest of your life. It's also supposed to teach you how to show up, how to work with people you didn't choose, and how to do things you don't particularly want to do.

Skills Matter More Than Passion

Following your passion is great advice if you're passionate about something that people will pay you to do. If not, focus on developing skills that are valuable and that you don't hate using.

Politics Are Everywhere

Every workplace has politics. Learning to navigate them isn't selling out—it's survival. You don't have to play the game, but you need to understand the rules.

Your Career Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The people who burn out early are usually the ones who think they need to achieve everything by 30. Pace yourself. You have time.

Most importantly: your career is just one part of your life. Don't let it become the only part.