Raymond Shreve
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About
I've done a bit of almost everything. I believe in constantly learning new things. The reasons for doing a bit of everything is 1) I get bored doing the same thing every day for years. 2) I like a change of scenery every now and then. Sometimes it's tough to find the same type of work in a new city or state.
Raymond’s Career Stories
What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?
I unfortunately didn't listen to much advice as a student. I knew I was more intelligent than most of my classmates so I thought it would always be that way. Once I started working I never wanted to do anything that I was being told and hated those in higher positions. Needless to say that I couldn't keep a decent job that long. But, in my early twenties I moved in with my papa because of his bad health. I noticed that even though he was almost 80 with cancer he still got up with the same routine every day and did everything that needed to be done. I asked him about it. He told me that if I took control of every aspect of my life and worked hard at everything you do then others will notice and try to help you succeed. Always stay humble with a blue collar attitude no matter what job you're doing.
What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge since middle school has always been my own mind. Every time I move forward I can have one bad day and stop all progress in it's tracks. It's an every day and lifelong struggle but I will never give up. One of my biggest reasons for wanting to advice the youth is so they don't make my same mistakes. And there's a lot of them so I have a lot to teach.
Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?
Yes, very "yes" indeed. I've always had people wanting me to do something that they wanted me to. I had some family wanting me to drive a semi so I did. Hated it! I love seeing the country but not if it's only in passing. I was supposed to follow other family before me and join the Army. But, I am a free thinker that questions everything and they don't really like that. It was only recently in my late 30s that I promised myself to only go after my personal goals because that's the only way to truly be happy.
What is it like when your job gets tough?
In the type of work that I've done it's usually when you get many jobs or projects coming in at once. It can be intense but it also strengthens you. I hated being rushed when I was young. Now, I welcome it because I feel that I am better when I am under pressure.