Career Advice From a Poker Player: Don't Overplay Your Hand
New year, new career? Most Americans are thinking about it. According to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2025, 51% of employees are actively keeping an eye out for a new job.
What should those of us who are getting serious about a new job or career path in this still-young year be doing? It may sound a bit bizarre, but we should, possibly, apply strategies similar to those we implement when playing a high-stakes card game.
Guy Taylor, a psychology Ph.D. and professional poker player who works with Casinos Analyzer, says thinking like a poker player can help you strategize and keep your cool while looking to land a new job. You need to know which risky moves to avoid — and what to do instead.
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Don't Let Other People's Wins Bring You Down
We're still early in the year — a time when companies are announcing big changes, big hires or big layoffs. We're also flooded with personal posts in which employees are talking at length about their new jobs — or those they lost. It's a lot of activity to navigate, but you must not let it distract you — just as a pro poker player wouldn't let other players' successes or failures affect them.
"You see LinkedIn posts, others' successes and New Year's resolutions — all of it can add pressure to your underlying thoughts of career change and you can let them spur you into action," Taylor said. "Experienced players separate the signal from the noise and react only to real, measurable indicators."
Don't Scoff at Critique
Resume not looking as spiffy as you thought based on the feedback of an objective reader? Boss frowning at the results of a project you put time and heart into? Be grateful for and receptive to their critiques, even if delivered bluntly. Knowing where you need to improve will help you become a more attractive job candidate down the road.
"When a poker player sees a bet, they assess it without panic," Taylor said. "At work, apply the same strategy when receiving feedback. Rather than viewing feedback as a threat, interpret it as an insight into what your employer values and where expectations lie. Understanding this helps you decide whether it's better to improve where you are or look for a role that better matches your strengths."
Don't Rush
Ever see a poker player rush to make a move? If so, you're likely watching the player who doesn't walk away with the winnings.
"In poker, it's not the person who plays the fastest that wins, it's the player who controls the pace," Taylor said. "It's easy to fall into the trap of rushing things early on in the year, thinking everyone has already made up their minds on what they want to do and change.
"Psychological research on decision-making, however, shows that choices made under false urgency are less likely to align with long-term goals," Taylor continued. "Always ask yourself whether it's your own desire or one put on you by social expectation."
Don't Take Just Any Job (If You Can Afford To Wait)
If you're in a job that's clearly devaluing you and making you mentally unwell, it is important to act immediately to get out of the situation. Other times, it could be better just to wait things out. Eventually something good will come your way.
"Sometimes the best course of action is not to act at all," Taylor said. "Experienced poker players know that a missed hand can be used for a stronger position later on. If you're unsure whether the timing is appropriate, then wait — pausing can give you control."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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