If you want to succeed and make it, follow these four principles.

First, you need to have sharp situational awareness.

Second, you must deeply understand what’s left unsaid.

Third, tread carefully—don’t make mistakes and don’t let them catch any faults, not even a quick nap.

Fourth, keep your mouth shut. Obviously, some things can’t be said, but even the things you should say depend on knowing the right moment and place. Even a job for life can rust if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You might feel stifled at work—constantly having to read the room, decode hints, staying on high alert for any slip-up, swallowing your words, dreading illness, and still seeing your income capped with little savings to show for it.

But understand this: it gets harder once you’re out there.