Why I do what I do?

Mark dropped something on my desk and asked me to answer five questions about my job for a friend of his who was doing a grant application. I find I rarely stop to articulate why I like what I do, and questions like this make me slow down, step back and figure it out. I’m not sure if this will be any help for the person who needs this, but had fun filling it out:

1. What do I like most about this job?
   - work with friends
   - challenges on every project
   - get creative reward
   - get to work on a really fast computer with big screens
2. What are the major frustrations for this job?
   - working with friends
   - challenges on every project
   - “leaving work at work”
   - deciding on new lunch spots
3. What are the entry level qualifications for getting hired?
   – working knowledge of industry software and problem solving skills
   - GOOD COMMUNICATION (written / aural)
   - ability to take and manage peer critiques
   - learn on the job
   - know how to use Google (if you don’t know something…learn!)
4. What advice would you give someone coming into this job?
   - if you want to do something else, do it. You’re going to work your ass off, so you had better love what you do
   - read, read, read, read, read, learn, learn, learn, learn
   - don’t be everything to everyone (specialization is not a weakness)
   - get a tight workflow fast
   - take plenty of notes about everything, and make lists. Your brain isn’t as good as you think it is.
   - Trust your brain on decisions, it’s better than you think.
5. Are there opportunities for advancement?
   - If you work your tail off, learn quickly, listen well and make yourself invaluable, and indispensable to everyone around you, then yes.
   - If you use Twitter / Facebook / email all day long, think work can only be 9-5, and count the minutes on your lunch break, then no.

Posted by Steve Mynett

Tags: Inspiration, job, workplace