Career advice no one tells you about

Most people have “okay” jobs.

We go to work, do what we have to do from 9 to 5, come back home, maybe hang out with friends, and do it all over again the next day.

There’s nothing wrong with this.

But some people perform at a totally different level.

They’re the people who land executive level positions by their early 30s while everyone else is still trying to “work their way up.”

They’re the people who jump out of bed every morning, excited about the day ahead while everyone else drags themselves out of bed every Monday.

They’re the people who impact thousands of people through their work, while everyone else keeps themselves busy with pointless tasks at work.

Here’s what they understand, that most people don’t.

1. Job requirements are negotiable

I remember going to the grocery store with my (Indian) grandfather when I was a kid.

He would always look closely at the price of everything we put in our basket. And when we got to the cash register, he would do what I thought was the most embarrassing thing ever: he would try and negotiate with the cashier!

But the crazy thing is… it usually worked.

Noah Kagan (founder of AppSumo) has this thing he calls the “coffee challenge.” Basically you walk into a coffee shop, order whatever it is you want, and when it comes time to pay, ask for 10 percent off.

If the cashier asks why, say “just cause.”

2. Imposter syndrome is a good thing

3. What’s “realistic” is just an illusion

4. Don’t pick a career based on “average salaries” or employment numbers

5. Pick a boss, not a company

6. Don’t be afraid to take a pay cut for the right experience

7. What got you to level one won’t get you to level two

8. The real education begins after college

9. Always be getting more exposure

10. Don’t outsource your success to your company

11. The real winners never go through the “front door”