Professional Development

If Instead of Cannot

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Many years ago, when I was a Senior Programmer with a consulting company, one of my clients commented that I never said anything was impossible – I never said "No, it cannot be done."

Now of course there are times in my career I have said no.  And when I said things could be done, I also noted the costs – which is a way of saying "I can do this, but boy is it going to cost you or disappoint you."  However the fact is that in your career, "it cannot be done" is not something you want to say to anyone – including yourself.

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Fandom Advantage: Netowkring

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Networking is the key to success.  I know, we hear it all the time.  I say it all the time.  We're all a bit sick of hearing it really, especially those of us that feel guilty that we don't network better.

But, herein lies another advantage to being a fanboy, fangirl, otaku, and utter geek: we have tons of networking resources.  That's something we should appreciate.

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Weekly Challenge: Alternate Fandom

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I talk a lot about people using their hobbies on the job or in their careers.  Actually it's why I'm here, so I suppose I can be forgiven.

We spent a lot of time getting to know what we like and how to make a living at it, but a different view always helps, so here's a weekly exercise for you . . .

Take a moment to think over what you do in your favorite fandoms and hobbies.  Think about how those interests do or can work to help you and guide you in your career.

Now, pick a fandom or hobby way different from your current one.  What, if for some reason, would you do if you were part of that fandom?  What, based on that speculation, would you then want to turn into a career or use on the job?

Get an outside view – and see what you've learned about yourself.

(I myself learned from this exercise I'd probably be a great civil engineer . . . )

– Steven Savage