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What differentiates someone who advances quickly in their field from someone who plateaus, even if they're both capable? And how do you evaluate whether you're actually progressing versus just staying busy / comfortable?
I'm looking to get a job in a marine science field, and I know there's a lot of room to grow and advance in that career field, but I want to make sure I actually make steps forward.
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Gustavo’s Answer
I have no experience at all in marine sciences, but I think I can properly answer your main concern.
Truth is, in almost any career or job, capability won't be the principal metric to determine how far you'll get or how quickly. Also, keep in mind that growing quickly doesn't necessarily mean you'll get far. You can grow quickly and fall quickly.
Knowing this, truth is soft skills are the real differentiator. You don't need to be a people person, or funny or an extrovert, but you do need to learn when to speak, when to shush. Who and what to learn from. Be empathic, be honest, keep learning, be humble. Doesn't matter how far you get, doesn't matter how quickly, you still have to keep your feet on the ground.
Also, there's the completely opposite scenario where you feel like you're behind when you compare with other people you know. That's only in your head, as I said, quickly doesn't mean far. The key is. that in both scenarios what'll keep you moving forward and improving is knowing that you don't know everything, you have to educate yourself. Learn how to work in teams, learn how to delegate for when you have subordinates, etc.
Regarding the staying busy / comfortable comment, it's common to think you have to be productive 24/7. This only gets you closer to burnout, and sometimes can be frustrating. There's more to life than work and professional growth. Find hobbies, look into art, sports, music, plants, whatever you like and also invest some time and money into that.
Hope this helps, and believe me, I wish you the best. Relax, you'll make it. Enjoy the process
Truth is, in almost any career or job, capability won't be the principal metric to determine how far you'll get or how quickly. Also, keep in mind that growing quickly doesn't necessarily mean you'll get far. You can grow quickly and fall quickly.
Knowing this, truth is soft skills are the real differentiator. You don't need to be a people person, or funny or an extrovert, but you do need to learn when to speak, when to shush. Who and what to learn from. Be empathic, be honest, keep learning, be humble. Doesn't matter how far you get, doesn't matter how quickly, you still have to keep your feet on the ground.
Also, there's the completely opposite scenario where you feel like you're behind when you compare with other people you know. That's only in your head, as I said, quickly doesn't mean far. The key is. that in both scenarios what'll keep you moving forward and improving is knowing that you don't know everything, you have to educate yourself. Learn how to work in teams, learn how to delegate for when you have subordinates, etc.
Regarding the staying busy / comfortable comment, it's common to think you have to be productive 24/7. This only gets you closer to burnout, and sometimes can be frustrating. There's more to life than work and professional growth. Find hobbies, look into art, sports, music, plants, whatever you like and also invest some time and money into that.
Hope this helps, and believe me, I wish you the best. Relax, you'll make it. Enjoy the process
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Liza’s Answer
Hi Ernesto, for me work fulfillment is not measured by quantity or number of promotions but having a work life filled with great satisfaction from different aspects - company values, people, and many more than promotions