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What was one of the things you had to let go of in order to fulfill your career goals?
I am just interested in what hobbies or things you had to stop doing in order to fulfill your goals. Did any of these hobbies hinder your ability to do your job? #job #career #job
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5 answers
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Georgina’s Answer
Hello Jason.
Well, I never had to give up my hobby as a watercolor and acrylic painter. There will always be time around your work schedule to do the things you love.
Good Luck
Well, I never had to give up my hobby as a watercolor and acrylic painter. There will always be time around your work schedule to do the things you love.
Good Luck
Updated
Angela’s Answer
This is a great question. My answer may seem kind of silly but it's what first came to mind when reading your question. One of my career goals was to make money. I was in a commission based job and was working so hard to meet my goals at work and was getting really successful and then I looked at my bank account. Without paying attention to it, I realized I was spending SO much money on going out to dinner, shopping and going out with my friends. I was working so hard and was hitting my goals but then was letting it all go by over-spending. What I'm getting at is - be aware of what you are doing now and how it will impact your ability to meet your short term and long term financial goals. So, my answer may not have been exactly what you were expecting but I do think it's helpful to hear the story!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Hi Jason:
I was not the most natural student in the world, when it came to my academics. But I definitely had good work ethic and knew how to study.
When I assessed my skills and abilities, and the fact that I would need to spend more time on my academics, then I determined that my social life would be the one activity to reduce.
As I recall, I did not have a long term girlfriend in college. I did not go to any football or athletic games. Nor did I attend any campus dances or social functions. Instead I spent those hours in the library studying and completing my assignments.
I was also a very good athlete, when I was in college. But the time required to travel and go out of state for athletic contests, reduced the amount of time I could spend completing assignments and doing the research that was required to complete the courses for my major. I took many economics and business courses, and as a result, with the reduction of social life and the elimination of my athletic career, I was able to successfully complete my degree. My GPA went up, and I eventually made the grades to go to graduate school and achieve my career goals.
Paul
Assess how much time you are spending on activities outside the classroom and determine how you can utilize that time to achieve your academic or career goals.
I was not the most natural student in the world, when it came to my academics. But I definitely had good work ethic and knew how to study.
When I assessed my skills and abilities, and the fact that I would need to spend more time on my academics, then I determined that my social life would be the one activity to reduce.
As I recall, I did not have a long term girlfriend in college. I did not go to any football or athletic games. Nor did I attend any campus dances or social functions. Instead I spent those hours in the library studying and completing my assignments.
I was also a very good athlete, when I was in college. But the time required to travel and go out of state for athletic contests, reduced the amount of time I could spend completing assignments and doing the research that was required to complete the courses for my major. I took many economics and business courses, and as a result, with the reduction of social life and the elimination of my athletic career, I was able to successfully complete my degree. My GPA went up, and I eventually made the grades to go to graduate school and achieve my career goals.
Paul
Paul recommends the following next steps:
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Mark’s Answer
Hi Jason, this is a great question.
I think there's a slight misconception that you need to completely let go of doing something in order to fulfill your career goals. What I mean by that is as you advance in your career, you may need to do certain things less frequently or more frequently. If advancing your job or career requires you to stop doing something completely, then maybe it's a good opportunity for you to reflect on whether it's worth it based on what's most important to you.
For example, early in my career I was able to go rock climbing on weekends, play soccer several times a week, and go to concerts with friends several times a month. As my job and personal life evolved, my priorities shifted, and I needed to spend more time with my family or work certain evenings and spend less time playing soccer or rock climbing. Fortunately, I didn't have to stop doing either hobby that I loved and got fulfillment from.
Evaluating what your priorities are at any given time will depend on what your goals are. One great way to do that is to think about which hobbies or habits are helping you achieve your goals, and which ones are hindering you from achieving your goals. If you develop that clarity, it becomes a lot easier to decide whether to let go of something completely or not.
Think about which hobbies or habits are helping you achieve your goals
Think about which hobbies or habits are hindering you from achieving your goals
I think there's a slight misconception that you need to completely let go of doing something in order to fulfill your career goals. What I mean by that is as you advance in your career, you may need to do certain things less frequently or more frequently. If advancing your job or career requires you to stop doing something completely, then maybe it's a good opportunity for you to reflect on whether it's worth it based on what's most important to you.
For example, early in my career I was able to go rock climbing on weekends, play soccer several times a week, and go to concerts with friends several times a month. As my job and personal life evolved, my priorities shifted, and I needed to spend more time with my family or work certain evenings and spend less time playing soccer or rock climbing. Fortunately, I didn't have to stop doing either hobby that I loved and got fulfillment from.
Evaluating what your priorities are at any given time will depend on what your goals are. One great way to do that is to think about which hobbies or habits are helping you achieve your goals, and which ones are hindering you from achieving your goals. If you develop that clarity, it becomes a lot easier to decide whether to let go of something completely or not.
Mark recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I had to give up being a perfectionist. I was pretty much an honor roll student my entire academic career. When I got to work, I quickly realized that success in the workplace looks and feels very different than in school. There is less focus on your individual performance and more focus on how you perform within a team. You have to think in terms of priorities and what will bring your company or team the most success, which may or may not be easy to discern. Asking for help is so important until you learn to do this on your own.
I say this not to be intimidating, because if you have made it this far, you will certainly make it where you want to go too. Just don't be afraid if you don't have the answers - raise your hand and ask for help! You will be surprised how many people expect you to do this. We remember what it was like to be new in a career and we want to see you succeed.
I say this not to be intimidating, because if you have made it this far, you will certainly make it where you want to go too. Just don't be afraid if you don't have the answers - raise your hand and ask for help! You will be surprised how many people expect you to do this. We remember what it was like to be new in a career and we want to see you succeed.