CEO of McDonald's gives blunt career advice that might 'hurt your feelings' in new video message

If you thought fast food was just about the burgers and the fries, think again.

For those who are looking for some career advice and tips for how to excel at work, let the McDonald's CEO give you some guidance.

In a new viral video posted to his Instagram account, fast food chain boss Chris Kempczinski served up some tough love as he shared some blunt career advice to viewers who want

to advance in their line of work.

The CEO's guidance came after he joined the fast food empire in 2015 and, before taking on his current role as CEO in November 2019, he previously served as the president of McDonald's USA.

Before working alongside Ronald McDonald, Kempczinski held positions at major consumer companies, including PepsiCo and Kraft Foods.

In addition to harsh career advice, Kempczinski often shares his thoughts on other hard-hitting work topics, such as imposter syndrome, unconventional career moves, and personal branding - but it's the job tips we're after today, and Kempczinski began: “The advice I would give is: remember, nobody cares about your career as much as you do."

The clip, which has been viewed more than 300,000 times, continued: “So this idea that there’s somebody out there who’s looking out for you, who’s going to make sure that you get that opportunity, who puts you in the right thing — great if it happens — but at the end of the day, nobody cares more about your career than you do.”

Explaining that nobody will do things for you, Kempczinski said that you've got to own your decisions and make things happen for yourself.

The CEO has garnered over 50,000 Instagram followers, with many appreciating his career advice and work tips.

"No employer will ever give you a two-week notice before firing you," one person wrote in the comments. "So do what’s best for you and your career."

"He is right," said another. "No one is coming to save you. It's your life, folks."

"Thank you for re-affirming this," commented a third viewer. "I struggled with this question recently for a role that opened up in the organization. Glad I listened to my gut feeling and told myself your words exactly."

When he's not talking about work, other videos show the CEO testing some of McDonald's most popular products, including the beloved McCrispy Strips, which returned to the chain in April 2025 as a permanent menu item.

The chicken strips were originally discontinued in 2020 to simplify the chain's offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for years, fans have been demanding that they be returned to the McDonald's menu.