I've been out of college and in "the real world" for over a decade and a half now. Over the past few years, I've begun to realize that many of the truths and advice I was told between kindergarten and business school are total bullshit. Here are just a few examples off the top of my head…
"What goes around, comes around." – Basically, if you treat other people like shit, eventually it will come back to you. However, I've learned that in the real world this usually isn't the case. The people who are the most successful and move up the corporate ladder the fastest are the ones who have no regard for other people (especially the people below them) and will shit on whoever they have to in order to achieve their goals.
"If you just work hard, be positive and keep your nose down, everything will work out." – In my experience, I've found the exact opposite to be true. The people who keep their mouths shut and just do what they're told are the one who get dumped on more than anyone. They are seen as willing to be taken advantage of, and plenty of assholes are therefore more than willing to take advantage of them.
"Dedication and hard work will be rewarded." – Bullshit. The people who get rewarded are those who are best at playing the political game.
"Treat others as you want to be treated." – Ah, the golden rule. Has there ever been a time in human history where following the golden rule worked out well for anyone?
Do you have any examples of things you've been told during your formative years that you later discovered to be total bullshit (at least with respect to the business world)?