With the #CareerTok hashtag reaching 1.5 billion views on TikTok, it has become a source of career advice among Gen Z and Millennials. TikTok is helping Gen Z land an internship or job say nearly half. Meanwhile, hiring activity in the UK is booming, with job postings in January 2025 up 61% compared to December, marking a strong start to the year…
Experts at Personio, Europe’s leading HR software company, warn that while this accessible advice is powerful, it also brings risks, especially when harmful career myths go viral.
Aiden McGale, Director of Talent Acquisition at Presonio, has highlighted five myths circulating on TikTok and the facts behind them.
1. Myth: Quiet quitting is the ultimate career hack
Fact: Setting boundaries is important for mental health, but completely disengaging can damage your reputation, limit opportunities for progression, and strain relationships with managers and colleagues. There’s also a responsibility for employers to engage employees early and address signs of apathy before they escalate.
2. Myth: Job hopping guarantees faster salary growth
Fact: While moving roles can sometimes lead to pay increases, frequent job changes can raise concerns about loyalty and stability. Employers may hesitate to invest in training or advancement for candidates with short tenures, which can ultimately slow career progression. Employers should dig deeper into the reasons behind short stints before dismissing a candidate outright, as context matters.
3. Myth: Never accept a counteroffer
Fact: Counteroffers are often seen as insincere, but in many cases, they reflect genuine efforts to retain valued employees. Accepting one can lead to improved conditions, higher pay, or new responsibilities, provided the underlying issues are addressed. If offering a counteroffer, ensure it’s backed by meaningful changes that resolve the employee’s concerns, not just a pay bump.
4. Myth: Remote work guarantees better work-life balance
Fact: Working from home can offer flexibility, but without clear boundaries, it often leads to longer hours and blurred lines between personal and professional life. This can increase stress and burnout rather than improve well-being. Employers should support remote workers with clear expectations, regular check-ins, and resources to maintain healthy boundaries.
5. Myth: Side hustles are the only way to achieve financial freedom
Fact: While extra income streams can help, they’re not the only path to security. Career progression, salary negotiations, and employer benefits can provide stability without overextending your time and energy, especially if side hustles compromise your main role. Employers can help by offering transparent pay structures, development opportunities, and benefits that reduce the need for side hustles.
These myths shape employee expectations, from job hopping and boundary setting to perceptions around remote work and side hustles.
TikTok helping Gen Z land a job – how can employees benefit
“Social media is rewriting the career playbook, and HR leaders must respond with credible, supportive guidance,” says Aiden McGale. “By integrating personable career development and transparent communication, companies can turn this global trend into a force for engagement and retention.”
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