The world’s not a fairly tale and life isn't fair. It’s not meant to be nice. So, if you are a dreamy eyed college lad who has got his first job, there are a few things you ought to know at the very beginning. Nobody really gives a damn if you get screwed, if your feelings get bruised or how hungry you are. Everybody is too busy trying to make a name and just trying to survive. It helps to be the good nice guy in the family, but while in the streets, it pays to be cruel and ruthless. It’s not really about being street smart but rather about being street-savvy. Smarts can be learnt but being savvy is to know the rules and play by them.

Always keep your guard up

Never let your guard down. In your early professional life, you will come across people who will act like mangy dogs, full of barks and empty threats, but no bite in them. You may feel perturbed in the beginning and then feel inclined to laugh at their pathetic attempts at intimidation. However, you must realize this one essential thing. All these seemingly empty threats might just be strategically used to soften you up for the real thing.

Stay out of arguments

If two guys in your organisation or elsewhere get into a brawl (verbal, physical, mental), you might eventually be asked to pick a team. Don’t be hasty. Go neutral and bide your time. Wait until they've worn themselves out. It’s no use getting yourself shot in a fight that’s not even your own.

Meet only when necessary

A meeting should only mean one thing. If people are heading towards the conference room, then there should be a decision. A meeting that only sets you and your team up for another meeting is useless. Meetings are, of course, important for arriving at a common ground, but you certainly don’t need to book the conference room every three days.

Maintain contacts with the bad eggs

In business, it’s always good to know a lot of people. Though you shouldn’t ever be seen with the so-called rabble rousers and trouble makers (all companies have a few) but it’s good to maintain a covert alliance with them. You never know how and when you may need their help. It’s good to have a finger in every pie.

Don't be too proud to retreat

If you ever face a difficult situation that you just can’t win, do not expend your energies fighting merely on principle. A situation might make you want to puff your chest out and say, “I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I won’t this time too!” but think about it clearly and realize that the effect this stance will have on your career might not be altogether pleasant.

There's no cure for this thing called life, so it's best to learn certain things early on. Nothing can truly prepare you for it, but if you keep your head on a swivel, you'll suffer fewer "unfair" surprises.