“I agree and disagree. You only get as much out of an experience as you put into it…
Even if you have a McJob, try and do something innovative; if you see an inefficiency or a problem come up with a solution and present it to your manager. You never know what could happen.
Bottom Line:
Sometimes you have to get a McJob; Do your best and try to create a valuable experience for yourself.”
- Daniel Axler, TalentEgg‘s operations and client services manager on Why I’m avoiding fast food jobs at all costs
My dad and I were having a conversation recently about what I want to do in my future and he was telling how my current state determines my future, but at the same time, it doesn’t.
He worked lots of odd jobs and did a lot of things that were irrelevant to his career but they were the building blocks to his future. They showed his determination and integrity, and even though it wasn’t related and wouldn’t help him in his future, it eventually paid big dividends in his life.
Right now, things are not as important as they seem and you should not be afraid to change; you are not a politician so no one will condemn you for it. What you are doing today does not determine your future.
What you MAKE of today does.
Chris Anderson of Wired didn’t start in business but moved into it from a background of science. Andreas Duess of Fisheye would not be in marketing if he never took an internship at a marketing firm.
What have we learned?
- Our past does not matter as much as we once thought.
- Any and all experience is relevant. (To a point)
My challenge to you:
Learn about something that is (seemingly) unrelated to your field of study or work and see how you can apply to what you are doing right now.
Connect with some unusual people and try something new because you will never know how you can use it in your future.
If you think reading books, blogs and following news only in your industry of interest will give you and advantage and be able to think better, you are wrong. You will be inside the box and reading the same thing as everyone else.
Put your feet in someone else shoes and step outside of your comfort zone.
