What do you do if your career advice is based on logical fallacies?

1 Appeal to authority

This is when you accept something as true because someone with authority or expertise says so, without considering the evidence or the context. For example, you might follow a career path that your parents or mentors recommend, without exploring your own interests and goals. Or you might trust a resume writer or a coach who claims to have a secret formula for success, without checking their credentials or results. To avoid this fallacy, you should always question the source and the basis of any advice you receive, and seek out multiple perspectives and information.

3 False dilemma

This is when you present or accept only two options or outcomes, when there are actually more possibilities or nuances. For example, you might think that you have to choose between a stable but boring job or a risky but exciting one, when there are other factors and alternatives to consider. Or you might think that you have to stick with your current career or start from scratch, when there are ways to transfer or leverage your existing skills and experience. To avoid this fallacy, you should always explore the pros and cons of different options, and avoid oversimplifying or exaggerating the trade-offs.

4 Hasty generalization

This is when you draw a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence, or make a sweeping statement that does not account for exceptions or variations. For example, you might assume that all jobs in a certain field or industry are the same, without researching the specific roles and requirements. Or you might judge your career potential based on a few negative feedbacks or failures, without considering the positive aspects or the room for improvement. To avoid this fallacy, you should always gather enough and reliable data, and avoid jumping to conclusions or making stereotypes.

5 Post hoc ergo propter hoc

This is when you assume that one event causes another, just because they happen in sequence or correlation, without establishing a causal link or ruling out other factors. For example, you might attribute your career success or failure to a lucky or unlucky event, without acknowledging your own efforts or challenges. Or you might follow a certain advice or strategy that worked for someone else, without considering if it applies to your context or goals. To avoid this fallacy, you should always look for evidence and logic, and avoid relying on superstition or coincidence.

Logical fallacies can be tempting and persuasive, but they can also be harmful and misleading. By learning how to spot and avoid them, you can make better and more informed career decisions, and avoid unnecessary mistakes and regrets.