Identify what comes easy to you early, identify strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s Ken’s Metaphor for Success #8:
This is one of your first forks in the road, so to speak, in establishing your path to career success. Not all of us can do everything well. However, all people can do some things well. By now, you should have a reasonable picture of what that might be.
When I was in 7th grade, my Dad and I remodeled our basement in our modest home on north Terrace. We framed for a couple of Bedrooms and a Family Room. It was in the mid 60’s and I remember that we needed the help of a licensed Electrician. After some searching, Dad hired one, paying him $10 per hour (That’s back when the minimum wage was about $1.50.). Dad told me to work with him, help him out, and learn what I could. I stuck with that guy like glue, watching him pull wire, mount boxes and devices, terminate wires, and install breakers. Needless to say, I was fascinated. I told Dad that I could do just about everything that he did, that is was pretty easy, all things considered. Dad said, “If stuff like that comes easier to you than most, then by all means, take advantage of it. Stay with it”. I never forgot those words. From that point forward, electricity was my passion. Ultimately, over the next few years, I became obsessed with fixing things that broke. I remember Dad saying proudly to his friends one time, while in my teens that “Kenny can fix anything but a broken heart”. A career was born.
The point is, if you are a natural Engineer, resist pursuing a career as a ballet dancer.
