Comments on: Learning From Every Job

By: Barbara Saunders

Barbara Saunders — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:56:32 +0000

In response to point #1 – One approach is to take on a job that requires a recombination of two or more skillsets or areas of knowledge in which you are already an expert. Present yourself to the client in terms of your track record in each area.

By: ben

ben — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:51:26 +0000

@Avonelle: it’s easy to wimp out because these days, everybody wants a rockstar (or at least someone who can fake it ’til they make it).

I see that as a symptom of the same go-go carelessness that caused the implosion of 2000 (and know for certain that some very experienced, influential folks agree with me).

The good news is that the money on the table this time around is being measured in millions rather than billions of dollars, and the technology is more mature. Thus, the likelihood of another implosion is reduced, and if realized will be less severe than the last time around.

Finally, in the original point – that being a consultant under someone else’s auspices provides more opportunities for skills growth – there is a lesson that even lone-wolves such as ourselves can take to heart: if the client trusts you, they’ll let you use the tools you feel are best suited to the job, rather than forcing their choices onto the spec.

Just sayin’.

By: jonpeltier

jonpeltier — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:27:55 +0000

My theory used to be that each job serves as a training ground for the next. When I was laid off as an engineer four years ago, I leveraged the computer experience I’d gained during the past few jobs, and started my own company building models and programs for other people.

By: Maria Fadli

Maria Fadli — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:43:45 +0000

I am learnig from you,
Thank you for this piece of your mind. It has enlightened me to make my job search lighter. I am looking for work as Spanish- English creative writer, translator, proofreader. I read a lot of advise to improve my search. Yours is the best I had. Yes, to focus on finding a job in which I can learn at the same time I work and share myself is great for me. Thanks I needed that. Gracias too!

By: Avonelle Lovhaug

Avonelle Lovhaug — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:30:07 +0000

Something that may be a bit counterintuitive is that this has been more of a problem for me since I started freelancing than when I was a consultant for someone else. I think it is because when I worked for a consulting firm, they pushed me to be comfortable with doing things that were outside my comfort zone. Now that I’m working for myself, it is easier for me to wimp out.

Thanks for the reminder that I need to push myself out of that comfort zone in order to increase my value in the marketplace.