Ask HN: What's the Most Useful Piece of Career Advice You've Received?

The best advice I ever got was from a mentor who told me: Your network is your net worth but only if you give more than you take.

Sorry, I've got more than one.

Learn how to manage your manager

Make sure the work you do is maximally visible (at least to your co-workers)

Show up on time every day.

Ages ago, when secretaries (usually female) were still common in offices, my boss told me "learn the names of all of the secretaries and say hello <name> every time you see them. If they know you and like you, they will probably do you a favor, when you need it. They are the important people running the company."

You have to do visible, great work.

50% of your job is being liked by your manager and those you work with. The rest can be taught.

Take what you do seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.