7 answers
Mercedes
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
Asked
924 views
How does it all work?
How long did it take for you to understand your place in your field of work?
What has been the most difficult part of your work that you still struggle with?
If you could say one thing to new workers, what would it be?
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6 answers
Steve Benkin
project manager
4
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Funny you should ask this now, as I am literally changing my careers in my mid-60s. :)
I believe that your 'perfect' career is a process. One of the best ways is by elimination. If you are not sure which way you want to go, then try anything that seems interesting. Pretty soon you will know if it is a) 'uh no. this is definitely NOT for me!', b) "this seems interesting.. should pursue more.', or c) 'still not sure. need more exploration'
One piece of advise I strongly recommend : Rarely follow your passion. It will virtually guarantee you heartache and poverty. Don't do what you love. Learn to love what you do. Focus on areas that you can be good at now and, with enough effort, you could be good at it.
Only if your passion provides true value to the world and you can make money from it should you pursue it. My first career was not a passion project for me. But I became very good at it and made a lot of money. Now that I have retired from that and need very little extra income to live, I can pursue my passion and interests. If I would have done the latter first, then I am convinced I wouldn't be where I am today.
The rule of thumb is if you want to aspire to the TOP of any field, then realize it will take 10,000 hours over 10 years. Then you will LOVE what you do, will be in high demand, and will make a lot of money. I did that in my first career and it served me well.
For my new career, my 10,000 hours started 1,000 hours ago so I have a lot of work ahead of me!
Too many people fall prey to the "find your passion" myth which is pure bunk. Make your passion your hobby, not your profession. If you really feel strongly about your passion, then do it as a sideline while working a job that pays the bills. If you are good at the side project and it has become hopefully valuable to the marketplace, then it is has potential to be a real career. Once that side passion hobby brings in more than your 'normal' job, then - and only then - do your passion full time. For most people, that scenario never happens. Enjoy your passions as hobby. Find what you are good at, work at it and stick to it until you are GREAT at it.
Notice the specific field of interest is almost immaterial. You can apply a lot of the same skills to different professions. Start somewhere - anywhere. What are you good at? What do people say "hey, you are really good at that! How did you know how to do that/where did you learn that?" etc. What comes easy to you that seems difficult for others? THAT is where you want to focus.
Learn from the jobs that you don't like - what specifically about that job didn't you like? what are you looking for in a job? Not the discipline, but the work environment, the culture, the commute, the level of autonomy and freedom you need, the kind of manager you want, etc. If you can find a company that matches those criteria, then take some free courses in an area that those companies specialize in. See which ones you do the best in. Get some certifications. Get an internship.
I realize this is not typical advice, and I hope it resonates with you.
Peace.
I believe that your 'perfect' career is a process. One of the best ways is by elimination. If you are not sure which way you want to go, then try anything that seems interesting. Pretty soon you will know if it is a) 'uh no. this is definitely NOT for me!', b) "this seems interesting.. should pursue more.', or c) 'still not sure. need more exploration'
One piece of advise I strongly recommend : Rarely follow your passion. It will virtually guarantee you heartache and poverty. Don't do what you love. Learn to love what you do. Focus on areas that you can be good at now and, with enough effort, you could be good at it.
Only if your passion provides true value to the world and you can make money from it should you pursue it. My first career was not a passion project for me. But I became very good at it and made a lot of money. Now that I have retired from that and need very little extra income to live, I can pursue my passion and interests. If I would have done the latter first, then I am convinced I wouldn't be where I am today.
The rule of thumb is if you want to aspire to the TOP of any field, then realize it will take 10,000 hours over 10 years. Then you will LOVE what you do, will be in high demand, and will make a lot of money. I did that in my first career and it served me well.
For my new career, my 10,000 hours started 1,000 hours ago so I have a lot of work ahead of me!
Too many people fall prey to the "find your passion" myth which is pure bunk. Make your passion your hobby, not your profession. If you really feel strongly about your passion, then do it as a sideline while working a job that pays the bills. If you are good at the side project and it has become hopefully valuable to the marketplace, then it is has potential to be a real career. Once that side passion hobby brings in more than your 'normal' job, then - and only then - do your passion full time. For most people, that scenario never happens. Enjoy your passions as hobby. Find what you are good at, work at it and stick to it until you are GREAT at it.
Notice the specific field of interest is almost immaterial. You can apply a lot of the same skills to different professions. Start somewhere - anywhere. What are you good at? What do people say "hey, you are really good at that! How did you know how to do that/where did you learn that?" etc. What comes easy to you that seems difficult for others? THAT is where you want to focus.
Learn from the jobs that you don't like - what specifically about that job didn't you like? what are you looking for in a job? Not the discipline, but the work environment, the culture, the commute, the level of autonomy and freedom you need, the kind of manager you want, etc. If you can find a company that matches those criteria, then take some free courses in an area that those companies specialize in. See which ones you do the best in. Get some certifications. Get an internship.
I realize this is not typical advice, and I hope it resonates with you.
Peace.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
140
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
I am assuming you are a Job Corps trainee. If so congrats on your scholarship. I was a counselor for the Job Corps and when asked this question I would say these things. Where do you want to work? (geographical location). This will determine what job market you need training for. Who do you know? Knowing friends or family in a career field you are interested in is very helpful in finding out more about the job and more importantly getting a job. Lastly, what type of work environment would you like? Outdoors, indoors, working with people or working alone. While at the Job Corps strongly consider getting as much training and college, or advanced training as you can possibly get. You have 3yrs to take advantage of the program. If a training is offered at another campus that you are interested in once you complete your basics you can ask to be transferred. Maintain good attendance and conduct and you will have better chances of success. The biggest thing you can bring to a job is a positive attitude. Be punctual, be willing to constantly learn new things and volunteer for new challenges. Do not take conflicts on the job personally. Keep your personal business that happens outside of work separate from your work life. Be willing to ask questions. People will not know, what you dont know, so ask until you understand what you are trying to learn. You can succeed, work hard and never give up. Learning the STAR interview method is a great way to practice for interviews too. You are in a good place to get a great start in a career. Work with the Job Corps staff and they remember that your needs are important. Good luck. You will do well.
I am assuming you are a Job Corps trainee. If so congrats on your scholarship. I was a counselor for the Job Corps and when asked this question I would say these things. Where do you want to work? (geographical location). This will determine what job market you need training for. Who do you know? Knowing friends or family in a career field you are interested in is very helpful in finding out more about the job and more importantly getting a job. Lastly, what type of work environment would you like? Outdoors, indoors, working with people or working alone. While at the Job Corps strongly consider getting as much training and college, or advanced training as you can possibly get. You have 3yrs to take advantage of the program. If a training is offered at another campus that you are interested in once you complete your basics you can ask to be transferred. Maintain good attendance and conduct and you will have better chances of success. The biggest thing you can bring to a job is a positive attitude. Be punctual, be willing to constantly learn new things and volunteer for new challenges. Do not take conflicts on the job personally. Keep your personal business that happens outside of work separate from your work life. Be willing to ask questions. People will not know, what you dont know, so ask until you understand what you are trying to learn. You can succeed, work hard and never give up. Learning the STAR interview method is a great way to practice for interviews too. You are in a good place to get a great start in a career. Work with the Job Corps staff and they remember that your needs are important. Good luck. You will do well.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
359
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You ask excellent questions! Like many people, I've had a number of different positions in a variety of careers. In my first job, it probably took weeks to feel confident in what I was doing. I took advantage of asking co-workers for help when needed. Having patience and flexibility are key to learning a new job.
As to a difficult part of my work, it's trying to understand folks who have opposite opinions of what I believe. Because it's important to work well with everyone, I try to respect everyone's ideas.
What I'd say to new workers is enjoy the life that is ahead of you, and set a goal to help others on your path.
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
As to a difficult part of my work, it's trying to understand folks who have opposite opinions of what I believe. Because it's important to work well with everyone, I try to respect everyone's ideas.
What I'd say to new workers is enjoy the life that is ahead of you, and set a goal to help others on your path.
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6745
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Really Productive Day To You, Mercedes!
Understanding Your Place in the Field of Medicine
How Long Did It Take to Understand Your Place in Your Field of Work?
Understanding one’s place in the field of medicine is a multifaceted journey that varies significantly among individuals. For many, this process begins during medical school, where foundational knowledge is acquired. Typically, students spend four years in medical school followed by residency training, which can last anywhere from three to seven years depending on the specialty. During this time, exposure to various fields and hands-on experiences help shape a medical professional’s understanding of their role.
For example, a student may initially be drawn to surgery but later discover a passion for pediatrics during clinical rotations. This exploration phase is crucial; it often takes several years after graduation for practitioners to fully grasp their niche within the healthcare system. Continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and peer interactions also contributes to this understanding over time.
Most Difficult Part of Work That Still Struggles With
One of the most challenging aspects of working in medicine is managing the emotional toll that comes with patient care. Healthcare professionals frequently encounter difficult situations such as delivering bad news or dealing with patients who have chronic illnesses. The emotional resilience required can be taxing and often leads to burnout if not managed properly.
Additionally, staying updated with rapid advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols poses another challenge. The field of medicine is constantly evolving; thus, practitioners must engage in lifelong learning to keep pace with new research findings and innovations. Balancing these demands while maintaining personal well-being remains a struggle for many healthcare workers.
Advice for New Workers
To new workers entering the field of medicine, one key piece of advice would be: “Prioritize self-care and seek support.” The demands of a medical career can be overwhelming at times, making it essential to maintain mental and physical health. Establishing a strong support network—whether through colleagues, mentors, or friends—can provide necessary encouragement during tough times.
Moreover, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability will serve new professionals well throughout their careers. The ability to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced colleagues can significantly enhance both personal growth and professional development.
In summary, understanding one’s place in medicine is an ongoing journey influenced by education and experience; emotional challenges are prevalent yet manageable with proper support; finally, prioritizing self-care is vital for long-term success in this demanding field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA provides comprehensive resources on medical education pathways, including insights into residency programs and specialties available for physicians.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH offers extensive research on healthcare challenges faced by professionals in the field as well as studies on burnout and emotional resilience among healthcare workers.
3. Medscape Education
Medscape provides continuing education resources for healthcare professionals along with articles discussing best practices for self-care and coping strategies within high-stress environments like medicine.
Work very hard to make your dollar worth more / go further!
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Understanding Your Place in the Field of Medicine
How Long Did It Take to Understand Your Place in Your Field of Work?
Understanding one’s place in the field of medicine is a multifaceted journey that varies significantly among individuals. For many, this process begins during medical school, where foundational knowledge is acquired. Typically, students spend four years in medical school followed by residency training, which can last anywhere from three to seven years depending on the specialty. During this time, exposure to various fields and hands-on experiences help shape a medical professional’s understanding of their role.
For example, a student may initially be drawn to surgery but later discover a passion for pediatrics during clinical rotations. This exploration phase is crucial; it often takes several years after graduation for practitioners to fully grasp their niche within the healthcare system. Continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and peer interactions also contributes to this understanding over time.
Most Difficult Part of Work That Still Struggles With
One of the most challenging aspects of working in medicine is managing the emotional toll that comes with patient care. Healthcare professionals frequently encounter difficult situations such as delivering bad news or dealing with patients who have chronic illnesses. The emotional resilience required can be taxing and often leads to burnout if not managed properly.
Additionally, staying updated with rapid advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols poses another challenge. The field of medicine is constantly evolving; thus, practitioners must engage in lifelong learning to keep pace with new research findings and innovations. Balancing these demands while maintaining personal well-being remains a struggle for many healthcare workers.
Advice for New Workers
To new workers entering the field of medicine, one key piece of advice would be: “Prioritize self-care and seek support.” The demands of a medical career can be overwhelming at times, making it essential to maintain mental and physical health. Establishing a strong support network—whether through colleagues, mentors, or friends—can provide necessary encouragement during tough times.
Moreover, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability will serve new professionals well throughout their careers. The ability to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced colleagues can significantly enhance both personal growth and professional development.
In summary, understanding one’s place in medicine is an ongoing journey influenced by education and experience; emotional challenges are prevalent yet manageable with proper support; finally, prioritizing self-care is vital for long-term success in this demanding field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA provides comprehensive resources on medical education pathways, including insights into residency programs and specialties available for physicians.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH offers extensive research on healthcare challenges faced by professionals in the field as well as studies on burnout and emotional resilience among healthcare workers.
3. Medscape Education
Medscape provides continuing education resources for healthcare professionals along with articles discussing best practices for self-care and coping strategies within high-stress environments like medicine.
Work very hard to make your dollar worth more / go further!
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
mike pszeniczny
Senior Engineering Technician
16
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
mike’s Answer
It took me only a few days, because I had great support staff.
The most difficult part is finding the new projects to keep the company moving forward.
I would say to please be patient, as it takes time to become acclimated to any new environment.
The most difficult part is finding the new projects to keep the company moving forward.
I would say to please be patient, as it takes time to become acclimated to any new environment.
Jane Hernandez
Teach - retired
21
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jane’s Answer
It may take at least 5 years. That's what they told me in the field of teaching. It seems applicable to any career. But, many young people have a hard time sticking with any job that long.