We have all had those moments where someone, usually with the best intentions, drops a nugget of wisdom on us.
The kind of advice that is supposed to set you up for a secure, prosperous, and happy life.
The only problem? Sometimes that “wisdom” is not meant for you.
Over the years, we have ignored much of the advice we were given that we were told would guarantee the so-called “good life.”
Advice We Ignored, Thankfully
It was not always easy to go against the grain, but looking back, those moments of politely nodding and then doing the opposite have been some of the best decisions we have ever made.
“Never Leave a Good Job”
This one came up a lot. A steady paycheck, benefits, and a clear career path sound great.
So why would anyone walk away from that? Because a “good” job is not good if it eats away at your health, happiness, and time.
We left behind the kind of work that looked perfect on paper but left us running on empty.
The trade-off was more control over our lives, even if it meant less predictability.
You can read more about our conversation about the great resignation.
“Buy as Much House as You Can Afford”
This advice is practically tattooed on the American Dream.
The idea is that a bigger house means you have “made it.” We bought into that once, then realized we were working to keep up with it.
Downsizing freed us from a mountain of expenses and gave us the flexibility to spend money on things we value, like travel and experiences.
“Stick It Out, It Will Get Better”
Sometimes sticking it out means keeping yourself stuck. Whether it was a work project, a living situation, or a lifestyle choice, we learned that change does not always happen if you wait it out.
Sometimes you have to make the change happen yourself.
“Retire at 65, Then Enjoy Life”
This might be the most dangerous advice of all. It assumes you will be healthy, have the energy, and still want to do the same things decades later.
We decided to stop putting our bucket list on hold; instead of waiting until “someday,” we started prioritizing adventures and meaningful moments now.
All we want to do is to be here now, enjoying every moment that we are currently living.
“You Have to Put Up With People Because They’re Family”
This might be one of the most ingrained pieces of advice out there. We have been told to tolerate bad behavior, hurtful comments, or constant drama simply because of a shared last name or family history.
The truth is that being related does not give someone a free pass to disrespect you or drain your energy.
Setting boundaries, even with family, has been one of the healthiest choices we have made.
It is a form of self-respect we will never apologize for.
Besides, blood doesn’t always mean family. Often times, people who do not share blood with you are family.
Why We Will Keep Ignoring Advice That Does Not Fit
Not all advice is bad, but not all advice is for you. Most of what we ignored came from a place of love, but also from a place of convention. The best thing we have done is to build a life that works for us, not one that looks good to everyone else.
If you have been clinging to advice that no longer serves you, it might be time to try the opposite.
You might be surprised at what happens when you stop following the script.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. You can appreciate the intent behind advice without following it. Respect is about listening and considering their perspective, not blindly agreeing.
Pay attention to how it feels when you picture following it. If it creates dread, anxiety, or feels like it goes against your values, it may not be the right fit.
Mistakes happen whether you follow advice or not. The difference is that when you make your own choices, you learn from them and have ownership of the outcome.
