Office Folklore: The Top Five Career Myths

You're heard them all before - the "words of wisdom" passed among water-coolers for generations. Common myths range from the all-out ludicrous - i.e., "You can't make a living doing what you truly love" - to the more believable, repeatable folklores. Fortunately, we're here to debunk the top five career myths that may be preventing you from getting ahead.

Myth #1: You shouldn't brag about your accomplishments.

Although nobody likes a braggart, if you don't promote yourself, who will? Whenever you receive a complimentary e-mail from a client or superior, forward it to your direct manager. That way, when it's time for your annual review or raise, your boss will have tangible evidence that you're performing well. Like the old adage says, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." Make sure that your colleagues consider you knowledgeable and competent - and relay it to your boss.

Myth #2: You have to be a "Yes" man to advance in your career.

Convey that you can think independently by sticking to your guns. If you don't agree with something your boss asks you, politely speak up. However, it's important to provide solid reasons for disagreeing and feasible ways to remedy the situation. Remember: You don't have to be a suck up to be successful; you just need to be respectful, honest and diligent.

Myth #3: To get ahead, you have to work days and nights.

You don't have to sacrifice your personal life to climb the career ladder. It's possible to have it all by working harder - not longer. Arrive to work on time, break for lunch, and leave at a reasonable hour. The key is being efficient. Are you wasting time chatting with coworkers about last night's episode of American Idol? Have your five-minute coffee breaks turned into 20-minute discussions with the guy in accounting about politics? Use your time wisely, and you'll likely be able to leave your work at the office. After all, what quality of work could you truly produce at midnight, anyway?

Myth #4: It's better to be popular than respected.

Sure, we all want to be well-liked - but not when it comes at a price. If you focus more on being a buddy than a boss, you'll get trampled over. What's important is that your colleagues and subordinates respect you and consider you a knowledgeable authority figure. That's not to say that you can't joke around with coworkers and be friendly. Just make sure that you're not the joke. Remember: You're there to do a job, not be elected Prom King or Queen.

Myth #5: If you don't like your job, you're probably in the wrong field.

According to career coach and consultant Stacey Lane, this couldn't be further from the truth. "Not liking your job might be telling you you're in the wrong job; it doesn't necessarily mean you're in the wrong career. It doesn't even mean you're in the wrong job," she says. "You could just be working for the wrong person or the wrong company." Although job burnout is extremely common, it's important to determine why you're feeling dissatisfied. Don't write yourself off too quickly. You know where your talents lie, and if you're working in a field that utilizes them, then the problem may not be yours. It could be theirs.

Do you have any other career myths to add to this list? If so, please share them!