THE GREAT JOB MARKET LIE: 100 FALSE PROMISES
- Madhukar Dama
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Here is a brutally honest list of promises made by the job market that are rarely — if ever — fulfilled. These false promises are global in nature, affecting people across countries, industries, and backgrounds.
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A. PROMISES OF SECURITY
1. “Get a job, and your future is secure.”
2. “You’ll retire peacefully with savings.”
3. “We’re like a family here.”
4. “Loyalty will be rewarded.”
5. “Your job is safe.”
6. “You’ll get promoted if you work hard.”
7. “Just follow the rules and nothing will go wrong.”
8. “Your pension will take care of your old age.”
9. “We’ll support you through tough times.”
10. “Stability comes with employment.”
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B. PROMISES OF GROWTH
11. “Every year will be a step up.”
12. “Your talent will shine here.”
13. “We offer personal development.”
14. “You’ll never stop learning.”
15. “We provide real-world experience.”
16. “Your creativity will be valued.”
17. “There’s a clear career path.”
18. “You can switch departments and explore.”
19. “We invest in our people.”
20. “Your ideas will change the company.”
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C. PROMISES OF MEANING
21. “Your work will matter.”
22. “You’ll make a difference in the world.”
23. “We’re solving real problems.”
24. “This company stands for something bigger.”
25. “You’ll be proud of what you do.”
26. “You’re not just a cog in the machine.”
27. “We’re purpose-driven.”
28. “You’ll wake up excited every day.”
29. “Work won’t feel like work.”
30. “We align with your values.”
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D. PROMISES OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM
31. “Good pay will solve your problems.”
32. “Bonuses will reflect your effort.”
33. “Salaries always increase with time.”
34. “You’ll earn more than your parents.”
35. “High-paying jobs give you independence.”
36. “You can retire early if you work hard now.”
37. “We offer competitive packages.”
38. “This job will help you afford a home.”
39. “Your lifestyle will improve.”
40. “You’ll have enough to enjoy life.”
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E. PROMISES OF STATUS
41. “You’ll be respected in society.”
42. “Your family will be proud.”
43. “You’ll finally be ‘someone.’”
44. “Your designation defines your worth.”
45. “This title is a milestone in your career.”
46. “Success is visible in job roles.”
47. “Everyone will admire your achievements.”
48. “You’ll lead one day.”
49. “Corporate prestige equals personal success.”
50. “Your job title will open doors.”
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F. PROMISES OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE
51. “We care about your mental health.”
52. “Flexible hours for your family needs.”
53. “Weekends are yours.”
54. “We respect boundaries.”
55. “No after-hours calls.”
56. “You’ll have time to pursue hobbies.”
57. “Leave policies are generous.”
58. “You can work remotely without guilt.”
59. “Burnout won’t happen here.”
60. “We believe in balanced living.”
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G. PROMISES OF FAIRNESS
61. “We’re a merit-based culture.”
62. “No office politics here.”
63. “Everyone gets equal opportunities.”
64. “Gender doesn’t affect promotions.”
65. “We promote based on performance.”
66. “Your background won’t matter.”
67. “We support diversity.”
68. “No bias in evaluations.”
69. “Hard work never goes unnoticed.”
70. “We don’t play favourites.”
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H. PROMISES OF FREEDOM
71. “You can take initiative.”
72. “You’ll have autonomy.”
73. “We’re open to innovation.”
74. “You won’t be micromanaged.”
75. “You’ll be your own boss someday.”
76. “Remote work gives you flexibility.”
77. “Freedom to work how you want.”
78. “You can express yourself.”
79. “We hate bureaucracy.”
80. “You’re free to speak up.”
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I. PROMISES OF LONG-TERM WELLBEING
81. “We’ll help you grow as a person.”
82. “You’ll find fulfillment here.”
83. “You’ll be proud of your journey.”
84. “This job will build your confidence.”
85. “You’ll become more secure with time.”
86. “You’ll have fewer worries.”
87. “This path is sustainable.”
88. “Work shouldn’t be painful.”
89. “You’ll become a better version of yourself.”
90. “This job is good for your soul.”
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J. PROMISES OF FUTURE REWARDS
91. “Just a few more years of hard work…”
92. “This is a stepping stone to freedom.”
93. “The next promotion will be worth it.”
94. “Hang in there, it’ll all pay off.”
95. “Sacrifice now, reap later.”
96. “You’re building your legacy.”
97. “Your kids will thank you.”
98. “One day you’ll look back and be proud.”
99. “It’s all part of the process.”
100. “This is how success works — you’re almost there.”
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