Your First Job: Don’t Rely on Absurd Advice — Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Starting your first job can be exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming.

From understanding your payslip to knowing how to handle unfair treatment, there’s a lot to figure out. And in the absence of clear guidance, many young South Africans turn to social media, friends, or co-workers for advice. Unfortunately, not all of that advice is good.

That’s why My AI Lawyer is highlighting the importance of reliable legal guidance for young workers — with a focus on both rights and responsibilities.

We’ve seen how bad advice can spread fast — and how it can lead to misunderstandings, poor workplace behaviour, or even legal trouble. We're calling this phenomenon "#AbsurdAdvice" — the kind of myths and misinformation that trip people up when they're just getting started in the working world.

This article aims to break through the noise and help you enter the workplace confidently and responsibly.

👩🏽‍⚖️ What is My AI Lawyer?

My AI Lawyer is your personal legal assistant on WhatsApp — available 24/7 to answer legal questions in plain language. It’s affordable, accessible, and designed for everyday South Africans navigating life’s challenges — including starting your first job.

🛠️ Why Legal Support Matters at the Start of Your Career

Legal problems at work don’t just happen to long-time employees. In fact, first-time workers often face issues because they simply don’t know what’s normal, what’s legal, or what’s expected of them.

Here’s how My AI Lawyer helps close those gaps.

✅ 1. You Have Rights — Even If You’re New

Starting a job doesn’t mean you have no protection. You still have rights, even during probation. These include:

• Clear working hours and fair pay
• Protection from unfair dismissal or discrimination
• Paid leave, including sick leave and public holidays
• The right to understand and agree to your contract

Too often, young people are told to “just be grateful” or “keep quiet in the beginning.” But standing up for yourself isn’t being difficult — it’s being informed.

⚖️ 2. But You Also Have Responsibilities

Knowing your rights is only part of the picture. You also have responsibilities — to your employer, your team, and yourself.

Common legal disputes often arise when new employees:

• Arrive late consistently or don’t communicate time off
• Misuse company property or social media
• Violate dress codes or workplace conduct
• Don’t follow basic instructions, then claim unfair treatment

Being new is not an excuse — but not knowing the rules is often the real problem. My AI Lawyer helps you unpack what's expected of you in plain terms, so you can avoid missteps and build a great reputation from day one.

“I thought I was being unfairly treated, but it turned out I hadn’t followed the proper leave process. My AI Lawyer helped me understand the policy before I created a bigger issue.”
— Thando, 24, Durban

💬 3. Avoid the Trap of #AbsurdAdvice

We’ve all heard it:

• “You don’t need a contract — just start and see how it goes.”
• “They can fire you for any reason in the first three months.”
• “You’ll be seen as a problem if you ask too many questions.”

This is what we call #AbsurdAdvice — well-meaning but misleading tips that can set you up for failure. Visit www.askmyailawyer.com  to get real, good advice.

We encourages young workers to question what they’ve been told, and verify it with real legal support. You don’t need a law degree to protect yourself — just the right tools and information.

💡 My AI Lawyer Can Help With:

• Understanding your job offer or contract
• Knowing if a dismissal was fair or legal
• Clarifying your duties and working hours
• Making sense of payslips, overtime, and deductions
• Getting advice on how to handle unfair treatment professionally

It’s not about confrontation — it’s about clarity, confidence, and making smart decisions.

🔍 Why It Matters for Young Professionals

Legal disputes at work are often avoidable — but only when both parties understand the rules. For young workers, having access to affordable, always-available legal support can mean the difference between a smooth start and a stressful one.

With My AI Lawyer, you can ask the tough questions without fear, learn your rights and responsibilities, and get real help — in plain language, at your pace.

🛡️ Your First Job is a Big Deal — Start Smart

You’ve worked hard to get here. Protect your progress by staying informed and responsible.

👉Join My AI Lawyer for just R49/month and get the legal backup you need to start your working life on the right foot — minus the drama, minus the #AbsurdAdvice.

💼 Understand Your Payslip & Get Tax Help

Many workers don’t fully understand what deductions are legal, how to read their payslip, or whether they’re overpaying. Our Tax Advisory team can help explain your payslip, and assist you with your annual tax return if you need to submit one.

We file, you smile – your return handled with care.

💸 Are You On Track Financially?

Your payslip may show what you earn – but do you know where your money is going?

Our Debt and Budgeting team offers a free Wealth Checkup for Legal&Tax clients. We’ll help you:

• See if your income and spending align with your goals
• Make realistic savings plans
• Get back on track if you're struggling with debt

This service is available at no extra charge for all Legal&Tax clients.

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone

“First job? Don’t fall for #AbsurdAdvice”
Know your rights — and your responsibilities.

💬 WhatsApp: +27 (71) 526 8527 (type "AI" to start chatting) or visit www.askmyailawyer.com

☎️ Call: 0860 587 587

✉️Email: info@legalandtax.co.za