Filtering advice, especially when you’re being bombarded by information from media, family, and friends, can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical strategies to help you cut through the noise and make sure the advice you follow aligns with your goals:
1. Clarify Your Own Goals and Values
Before accepting any advice, take time to define your own priorities:
- What are your career and personal goals in this new country?
- What values are important to you in your work and life?
- What skills and experiences do you bring with you?
Having a clear sense of what you want makes it easier to filter advice that aligns with those goals, and politely decline the advice that doesn’t.
2. Consider the Source
Not all advice is created equal. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is this person familiar with your situation? Advice from someone who hasn’t experienced migration or worked in your field might not be as relevant.
- What’s their intention? Family members may offer advice out of love but may not fully understand the challenges you face. Friends may offer advice based on their own success, which may not necessarily apply to you.
- Do they have an agenda? Sometimes people offer advice based on what they want, not what’s best for you. Be cautious of advice that seems to serve their interests rather than yours.
3. Focus on Facts, Not Opinions
When people give advice, especially regarding career or life decisions, distinguish between factual information and personal opinion:
- Fact-based advice: This is grounded in reality, statistics, or verified experiences (e.g., “This job sector is growing by 20% this year.”).
- Opinion-based advice: This comes from personal beliefs, feelings, or limited experiences (e.g., “I don’t think this job market is right for you.”).
Seek advice that includes factual data or concrete examples, especially when making big decisions.
4. Test the Advice
If you’re unsure whether to follow a piece of advice, try testing it out in a low-stakes way:
- Start small: If someone suggests a career change or a new field of study, try taking an online course or shadowing someone in that field before committing fully.
- Get a second opinion: Cross-check advice with other trusted sources or professionals. This can provide a more well-rounded perspective and highlight any inconsistencies.
5. Listen to Your Instincts
After hearing advice, take a moment to reflect on how it makes you feel:
- Does it make you feel more confident or anxious?
- Does it align with your inner sense of what’s right for you?
Even well-meaning advice can cause stress if it doesn’t resonate with your goals. Trusting your instincts can help you avoid making decisions that don’t feel right for your long-term happiness.
6. Limit the Number of Advisors
Too much advice from too many people can be confusing. Stick to a few trusted advisors who:
- Have relevant experience or expertise
- Understand your goals and challenges
- Offer thoughtful, unbiased guidance
A mentor or career counselor familiar with migration issues might be an excellent resource.
7. Separate Short-Term Needs from Long-Term Goals
Some advice might be helpful for immediate survival, while other advice might be geared toward long-term success:
- Short-term advice: Focuses on practical, immediate needs (e.g., how to find a temporary job or deal with paperwork).
- Long-term advice: Helps you build a sustainable future (e.g., advancing in your career, saving for retirement).
Filter advice based on whether you’re solving an immediate problem or planning for your future, and don’t let short-term decisions derail your long-term goals.
8. Take Time Before Making Big Decisions
Advice can make you feel pressured to act quickly, especially when others insist on urgency. However, important decisions often benefit from a cooling-off period:
- Sleep on big advice before making a final call.
- Weigh the pros and cons of the advice in relation to your personal goals.
Taking time to think through advice prevents you from making hasty decisions you might regret later.
By applying these strategies, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by advice and make choices that feel right for you—both in your career and in your new life.
