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Please, I need answers.

What lead you to where you are now?
What advice do you have for me?
Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
What should I know about keeping a job?

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Paul’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now? Where I am now is a result of the decisions that I have made in the past. Where we are now in our lives is the very important for many reasons....but the expresssion - "be where your feet are" is valid. You can't live in the past or the future, but only in the present.
What advice do you have for me? Where you are today is a product of decisions made in the past. Where you will be in the future will be based on decisions you make in the present. It is important to know that a lot of things in your life are out of your control. I suggest that you focus your energy on the things that you can control. Find out things that interest you and pursue them. Surround yourself with people of positive energy and that open doors for you and want to help and eliminate the people that do the opposite. Have a "get to" attitude for a "have to" attitude. example. I get to go to school. I get to go to work.....Be grateful for what you have and have a humble but hungry mindset. If you have a spirtual faith, then make sure to invest in this as it will shape your moral compass that you use to go through life. Always try to keep things in balance.

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? As far as my job in Sales. It is not what I dreamed of doing but it is what I ended up doing. I was fortunate that my parents provided me with educational opportunities through college. Unfortunately, I was not mature enough at the time to understand what I wanted to do or what would make me the happiest. In today's world of education, it is very costly to go to college so it is imperative that you have a good idea of what you want to do and can college help you get there based on the cost of going to college? Sales was not my dream job, but I learned how to do sales. I enjoy meeting people and getting to know them. My job is to understand what problems they have and see if my company's products and solutions can solve these problems. What I like about it most, is I get to see the results one way or the other....and when I can help and do help, I have a great amout of satisfaction.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? That is a good question, I am not sure I have done something for the first time in a while. So you have given me an opportunity to sit down and identify at least 10 things that I have never done but would like to do.

What should I know about keeping a job? Have a positive attitude. Understand the responsibilites of that job and understand the people, processess and resources needed to do the job. Have a methodoligy of tracking your success. What are the variables you need to manage to know whether you are doing your job well or not. Get feedback from the people that you report to make sure you are on the right track.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for this, I love your answers for my questions. It makes me see some things differently in a better way, so thank you. olivia
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Chirayu’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now? Striving for the best I can be and having clear cut goals in mind and accomplishing is the only way I am where I am today.

What advice do you have for me? Focus on the big goal, set goals for yourself and work towards them daily, plan things out and prioritize them.

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? I always wanted to do something with data whether its financial analysis or accountant or a data analyst. Currently i am a data analyst and absolutely enjoy what I do.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? Cannot think of something I have not for the first time recently but that is a great thing to either pick up on and give you an opportunity to learn something.

What should I know about keeping a job? Have a positive mindset and be able to communicate properly.


Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! olivia
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Jorge’s Answer

Hi Olivia!

What lead you to where you are now? Long story as well. I used to play professional soccer in Mexico 8 years ago and today I'm an Advisor at a tech-leasing company. I would say that life has a lot of surprises and plans that anyone can imagine . I would say that what lead me here was getting involved with people with my same culture, my approachable personality, my desire to grow /learn and because I'm trustworthy.

What advice do you have for me? Things just work out if they are meant for you. If not, learn as much as you can, always be kind and thankful with the persons that shared that time with you. Always give your best, seek for what makes you happy, get involved in activities or people that can help you grow and treat everyone nice. There is always something to learn from someone and from new experiences.

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? I never had a dream job to be sincere. Of course, I would have loved to do something related to sports, but somehow I never decided to give all my attention to just one discipline. I love doing sports; playing soccer, tennis, padel, boxing, hiking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, skating... and at this point I can get to do all of that occasionally and I´m OK with it. I learned that I wanted a balanced life between work and pleasures. I'm taking care of my future while enjoying those things that I love to do. I'm sure that I could find something that could make me happier, but everything will come at the right time.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? I'm always trying new things! Traveling to new places, going to restaurants, making different activities like playing baseball, skydiving, diving, cooking classes, clay crafting, painting... I always try to spice up my life. Professionally I take different courses to improve different skills, I like participating in different activities, meeting and working with new people. There's is always new things to do, places to know and people to meet.

What should I know about keeping a job? Show you are interested to belong there, work hard and master your responsibilities. Be very communicative, ask for feedback from your manager or peers. Try to learn and get involved in new things, this will help grow you network. Try to have mentors who have skills you would like to develop or that are in a position or area you find interesting.

Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your answers and a little bit of your life too, I hope one day I can do half the things you’ve done. olivia
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Jerome’s Answer

What led me to where you are now? A lot of luck, and a lot of hard work. Very few people have a crystal ball.
What advice do you have for me? Use common sense. Keep your eyes open and your mouth closed till you have a solid understanding of your situation, whatever that may be.
Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? Nope. I had my dream job early in my career, and I discovered that there's no such thing as a dream job. They all have pluses and minuses. And like most people, I've worked in several fields, from which I've learned plenty.
When was the last time you've done something for the first time? About 10 minutes ago. Happens every day.
What should I know about keeping a job? Provide value to your employer. That's why you are there. Do your best and don't worry too much about failures -- you're expected to learn and grow. And if you're not happy, do your job to the best of your ability and quietly look elsewhere; leave on good terms.
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Abdoulie’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now?
What advice do you have for me?
Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
What should I know about keeping a job?


“ What lead you to where you are now?”
I’m in the tech field, I’m in it because I always had a passion for computers especially hacking and I always felt like it’s a field where if u are knowledgeable enough u can find a way to make money off it outside of a job, a new way of becoming an “inventor”.

“What advice do you have for me?“
My advice would be to really think about what u want and why.
I’m really not interested in money, it doesn’t take a lot to make and keep me happy (I obviously want above decent money) as long as I am financially stable I’m good, but I do like to help people which very rarely can that be done for free or cheap hence why I’m even more passionate about the field since I can make a lot of money from it which can be enough to keep me more than financially stable all whiles having enough to help others.
so this would be a very small portion of what I want and why I, so ask yourself this same thing.
What do u want in life. Do u have to just be financially stable, do u want to be above that, do u want to retire very early etc etc and why.
And another advice would be to do what u are actually passionate about.
I’ve always heard people say stuff like
“I’m not getting paid enough to do this” when referring to things they do at their job.

Pick a career where u are passionate about that even if they paid u $1 a day you’d still enjoy what u are doing but you’d only just wish u we’re getting paid more.
Just like if u we’re getting paid to play a game or sport u really like. Even if they were paying u next to nothing you’d still atleast enjoy what u are doing.
Don’t let your passion for a job he steered only off how much it’s paying u. Many people fall into that trap, they get a job that pays well but deep down they wish they could get out of it.
Another advice I’d say of think of the future. Always always think of the future especially your retirement or in a unfortunate future of when u won’t be able to work. save up money for your retirement in countless ways other than just saving it in the bank, learn to make your money work for u when ur young and when u lose a dollar u know u will make it back because of your job, something u can’t do when ur in your retirement age.
Always be happy. Don’t forget that we live on planet earth not a Disney movie or SpongeBob. Bad and unfortunate things WILL happen to u. Even in Disney and SpongeBob bad things happen to the characters every here and there. So when something bad does happen just know it’s life and don’t let it change u in a negative way just brush it off, find how to tackle it and move on with life.

And also always research. Especially with jobs. No matter what the job is always remember there’s a headache to it and some jobs that headache is worst then others. So go see other people who are in that fields reviews on that career.
I was considering being a lawyer so I went on Reddit, discord and telegram and looked up lawyers forums and chats and asked them how they felt about their career which helped me make a decision on wether that’s something I would consider doing or not.
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Juney’s Answer

What led you to where you are now?
Humility, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of innovation through curiosity, an open mind, & diligence. I believe I'll get even further if I manage to balance work & relaxation better (I tend to work a little bit too much, sometimes).

What advice do you have for me?
In our ever-changing world, we have to be ever-changing. Learning doesn't end when you get a diploma, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow & develop further. Present mistakes set you up for future success, as long as you embrace the learning they offer.

Was this your dream job, is this where you saw yourself for your future?
I'm still not quite sure what my dream job is, and that's okay. I believe my dreams will change as I learn & grow! But, I care deeply about being challenged to have a meaningful impact and support others in having a meaningful impact. I believe my current company and position go a decent way in satisfying that desire.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
You're one of the first CareerVillage questions I've answered! Less cheekily: I recently signed up and started working with a professional coach for the first time.

What should I know about keeping a job?
Every country, culture, team and job is different, and will place different demands on you. Try to figure out if the company's values align with yours, and hold them accountable for living up to them. Figure out if the role & responsibilities align with the kind of impact you want to have. You're in control of your destiny.
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Gloria’s Answer

Hi Olivia,

What great questions. Each one of these could be their own post. I will do my best to give you some answers.

What lead you to where you are now? I did not take a straight road. I was guided to my current career by a supervisor seeing the potential in me. That was after I had graduated from high school and spent time in college. And it was only when I was working that I had a sense of what I could be. I had wanted to be a journalist. Instead, I became a corporate trainer and now I am an instructional designer. I merged my ability to write with my ability to teach. Totally unexpected.

What advice do you have for me? I would say that if you think that you will need a college degree, get one early. You are in learning mode in high school, so it is easier to do work in college. I kept stopping and starting college and it was so hard each time. I would also say that your major does not have to be very specific (unless you want to be a doctor or a lawyer). I would say if you like writing, be an English major. If you like computers, take computer science. You don’t need a fancy degree with some cool name. I don’t have a bachelor’s degree in education or training. I did eventually get my Masters in Instructional design, but that isn’t needed to do what I do, although it doesn’t hurt either.

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? The job that I do now I did not even know existed when I was in high school. It took me 17 years to get my bachelor’s degree because I kept changing my major. I now do my dream job, Instruction Design. It is exactly what I would have dreamed if I had known to dream it – to use my writing skills to help people do their jobs better and make more money. I am proud every day to be having meaningful impact on the people that I serve. I make them better. So, you need to know – your dream job may not even exist for you yet. As you move into the future, don’t settle. Continue to learn about what other jobs are out and listen to people you trust when they say you have a particular talent or skill that you were not aware of.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? I am constantly learning new things, because I create training for subjects that I am often not familiar with. The last time I did something for the first time was last summer when I learned how to use an animation tool for my job. The tool is called Vyond. It has been a great leap in my instructional design work. It has been challenging as I learn the parameters of what can and cannot be done with the tool.

What should I know about keeping a job? Jobs are hard. No matter how much you love them there are going to be days when you don’t like them. My job has challenges like clients wanting me to do something that I don’t want to do. I also have had teammates and bosses who frustrate me or even just make my job harder. I love my company but don’t like where I live. I stay because I love my job and who I work for. So, a job can be challenging from time to time. You have to learn to stay when it is hard or when to leave when it is not worth the aggravation. If you want to keep a job, work hard and know your talents and limitations. You do not have to stay at a job you don’t like or work with people who do not value you. There are other jobs, and you are worthy of being valued and making a contribution in a good workplace. Trust yourself.

Gloria
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Andrew’s Answer

Olivia gets right to the point!

What lead you to where you are now? Kindness. I am a project manager now, I have done many jobs, but what led me to be a project manager is that I care about people, ask them the same kind of questions that you ask above and then listen and acknowledge their responses. Hey! Wait a minute? Are YOU a project manager???

What advice do you have for me? Be kind. Be authentic. Listen and respond in a way that makes the other person feel heard.

Was this your dream job, is this where you saw yourself for your future? I wanted to be an artist, but when I was young, there were a lot of starving artists. So instead, I make any job I am in a "dream job" by adding an artistic flair. I encorage you to make any job "your dream job".

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? I just started learning "Python" which is a computer programming language. After each nugget I learn watching a video training session, I reach out to a Python user and tell them what I learned. They tell me the video is all wrong and keep me on the call for an hour showing me who real programmers use Python. People like to talk about what they are good at and are often the best teachers. But videos are good too.

What should I know about keeping a job? Keep asking questions. Bosses might roll their eyes and others might complain, but you show you really care about what you do when you ask a lot of questions. You learn a lot.

Good luck! You'll do great!!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, I love the part when you said you make any job a dream job. I’ll keep that advice cause I’m trying to find a career and I’m supposed to pick something that is my dream or that I’ll really like and I’m unsure so thank you. olivia
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Tamia’s Answer

*What lead you to where you are now?
Hard work and figuring out how to combine things I like to do that would also provide with the lifestyle I want.

* What advice do you have for me?
Go after what you want. Network keep your resume updated and explore the different job opportunities to find out what you like and where your passion lies.

* Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
No, but I never really had a dream job. I knew I enjoyed working with people and making an impact on the administration side.

* When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
A few months ago I moved into a new role which I had very limited exposure in. So everything I am doing now is pretty new.

* What should I know about keeping a job?
Find something you enjoy doing and that can support the life you want from benefits to work life balance.
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Nicole’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now? When I was working as a waitress, I met someone who was in sales and working for Alltel. I was so interested in technology and being involved in something that I felt would grow and keep me engaged in changing opportunities.
What advice do you have for me? Find something that you are good at, but also enjoy. I enjoy serving people, and making things simpler for the customers I serve. I don't like to be stationary or have no challenges. I have to feel like I am growing and building new things for me as well as others I serve.
Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? I have my dream job. I serve a community of business owners, resolving their issues and still living in the lifestyle I enjoy.
When was the last time you've done something for the first time? Yesterday. Everyday I get to enjoy something new. Whether its a new challenge a business owner is experiencing or something I find that I can help
What should I know about keeping a job? You have to be engaged and driving for success. You have to network and keep yourself relevant inside the company you choose to serve.
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Darrin’s Answer

Hi Olivia,

What led me to where I am now was the advice of my supervisors throughout my career changes. After starting in a frontline Retail job my supervisor saw the potential for me to be an assistant manager...that led to being a store manager and then a district manager. I enjoyed the Human Resource aspects of the job and as I switched companies to be working for Verizon in a retail store I eventually moved over to Recruiting to move up into managing other recruiters as a Supervisor.

Best advice is to follow the direction of your supervisors if you trust them as they learn to know and understand your best work attributes even better than yourself since they are always evaluating your performance.

This wasn't my dream job when i started working but it became my goal as I progressed...you should be open to changing career choices as you progress.

As far as keeping a job, you need to dedicate yourself to being the best at it as you can and always strive to be better. Give people the impression you want them to have of you so that when they are talking about you behind your back they are talking about how great you are.
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Jeniffer’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now? being open to explore new career paths regardless of my school background. I think it has been crucial for me to be open to other lines of work and to learn new skills in order to take new jobs. In addition, being able to relocate if needed, couple of years ago I had to relocate for a better job and salary and now I can use my new acquired skills for a remote position.

What advice do you have for me? Be open, be able to change gears when needed. Don't be afraid to learn new subjects and skills.

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future? I'm currently in a data analytics team, and thinking back, I wouldn't think I would end up here. I wouldn't call this my dream job but definitely a skill I need to master for the future. I enjoy learning new things and is my main motivator.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time? In my current role I find myself doing things for the first time almost every day, there is always a new data set I need to understand and provide feedback on.

What should I know about keeping a job? Be eager to help and provide your feedback of how to improve current flows. Don't be afraid to ask questions and always present yourself as someone that wants to understand more about the business and grow within it.
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Jax’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now?

Honestly, it was a shot in the dark. I graduated high school and never went to college, so I jumped from job to trade to job and eventually landed where I am now. What pushed me was making sure I had the skills to make myself marketable and support my family.

What advice do you have for me?

Keep an open mind. Even if you make a mistake or land a rough occupation, there is a lot to learn from that! Every opportunity may not pan out and that's okay.


Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?

No way! If I could tell my teenage self where I'd be, he wouldn't believe it. I never knew I'd be capable of becoming an instructor for metalworking, nor move into a position where I can directly build destroyers for the Navy. I wanted to be a writer.

When was the last time you've done something for the first time?

Every other day. You can never learn too much nor stop learning something new, even about yourself. You'll grow, you'll change, you'll see other view points, drop opinions, form new instincts, it goes on and on.

What should I know about keeping a job?

Find something in it that makes you proud and let's you sleep at night. Money is important, good benefits, and coworkers you can get along with are huge pluses, but your own mental well-being and sense of self worth are worth more than any dollar you can make.
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Afrad’s Answer

What lead you to where you are now?
This is a long story, I'll do my best. Migrated to the US in 05' from South America. Took the 1st job available while trying to support 2 younger sisters and go to college. Did not expect to stay at this job but after a few yrs realized I'm starting to like it, so began making better efforts. Moved up in the company and spent almost 10yrs there until I found a better job in the same field. Here many opportunities opened up and I am still there almost 10yrs now, and love what I do. That 1st job was a good stepping stone to getting me here.

What advice do you have for me?
I wish I knew more about your situation, the context to your question. However, in general, always do the best you can, in anything you do....this is how you create and maintain a good reputation, very important. On a personal note, network, talk to people, keep educating yourself, learn about money (how to manage etc).

Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
I've never known the definition of "dream job". Due to my life situation, some of it I highlighted above, I accepted what was available to me and make the most of it. I am happy to say though, that I continued growing professionally and over the past few years I do feel as though I am hitting all the points on what some may call their dream job. Sometimes you do things out of obligation and it turns into blessings...as such I would encourage you to just keep doing your best. However, you DO have a "dream job", that is AWESOME too...as you now have a goal in front of you to work towards, go for it, you can do it!

When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
Last week, when I decided to remodel my bathroom...never tiled before that. Last month, when I took this new position at work, 1st change in almost 10yrs....I have many examples of first, cause I try new things ALL the time!! Almost none are perfect the first time, but I can guarantee you, I get better and better each time I repeat. "You never know unless you try". You find out things you begin to like, you develop new skills, you learn new things and you increase self-discipline.

What should I know about keeping a job?
Have integrity, work hard and build good working relationships. I cannot stress enough, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, trusting, motivating, and driven. Show that you always put your best foot forward, show eagerness to learn and grow. Ensure that you clearly understand your role, what you're working towards, and that your actions align with the company's expectations of you. Seek feedback on your performance and continue developing yourself.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. olivia
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Derek’s Answer

* What lead you to where you are now?
- The ability to chase after my goals. I made the goal to work at the company I'm at while in High School then found a way to make it happen through learning experiences and other jobs. School played a big factor in it because without it I wouldn't have landed the job I have now.
* What advice do you have for me?
- The best piece of advice is to simply find what you love and work toward it by making stepping stones to help you get there.
* Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
- Dream job isn't so simply, I am not driven by money or long term growth. Overall, my goal is to simply pay off my mortgage and find a job that allows me to work 20-30 hours a week (doesn't need to pay high) maybe in a running or biking store where I can help people get into a sport I love.
* When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
- In the last 6 months, I started a new job, moved to a new state, and started a business venture.
* What should I know about keeping a job?
- Learn what it takes to do the job successful and talk to your manager about your career path then start to tackle it.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Olivia,

Initially, I was set on a path to become an Astrophysicist or Astronomer, a decision inspired by a gifted telescope. However, a tragic incident in my family redirected my journey. My Uncle, at the young age of 38, succumbed to a severe coronary attack.

Cardiovascular disease, a curse that seemed to plague the Greeks in my family, had claimed another life. This event coincided with my late Uncle's former employer, a Professor of Biochemistry, beginning his lectures at our university. This sparked a change in my academic direction, leading me to switch my major to Biochemistry.

I found myself captivated by Biochemistry, leaving behind the complexities of quantum mechanics. Under the guidance of Professor Masters, my uncle's old boss, I delved deeper into the world of nutrition and biochemistry. This journey eventually led me to become a dietitian, a decision largely influenced by the health struggles of my family.

Ironically, I wasn't able to complete my studies in time to help my family. However, I've had the privilege of assisting thousands of other individuals in their health journeys.

May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Atul’s Answer

>>What lead you to where you are now?
I am a retired software professional who lived an American dream to retire before the retirement age.
I was good at Math and applied analytics to be a successful software professional.

>>What advice do you have for me?
Pursue your passion. Work hard and stay committed in spite of few setbacks.
If you enjoy what you do - money will follow but pursue a profession that is in demand/desired to put food on the table.
Do not copy others, follow your dream and create your own path.

>>Was this your dream job, Is this where you saw yourself for your future?
Yes. No regrets of any kind. I kept pushing my boundaries and kept seeking new challenges.

>>When was the last time you've done something for the first time?
Everyday.

>>What should I know about keeping a job?
Whatever you do - put you heart in it and be committed. Perseverance and Persistence pays. If you do not know something - seek help but never assume.
Keep in mind - everyone does not know everything. People learn from each other.
Humility, confidence and patience travels distance.
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