career advice from npr
if you look at the "career path" of my 20s, you might say that it's zig-zagged somewhat. people tend to look at me quizzically when i give them the run-down: history undergrad to litigation/communication consulting to law to pre-vet to public health grad school to hospital admin to global public health/development work. and, how exactly did you get from point a to point b? valid question. that's a story for another time, but for now i can say undoubtedly (and with some pride) that i have embraced the opportunity to explore my career options.
i listened to an npr podcast of all things considered today. it was an interview with robert sapolsky, a neuroscientist at stanford (and the author of a primate's memoir). he was talking about how it's human nature to fall into routine as you age, and how the older you get the less likely you are to try something new. for example, your life-long musical tastes are determined between ages 14-21; by the time you're 35 the music library of your life is for all intents and purposes set. more to topic, he said that those who stay in one profession for a long time and gain eminence in that profession are the least likely to explore new things. of course, it's not a bad thing to be eminent in your field - you're well respected, you're extremely knowledgeable about a particular subject however narrow or broad - but, you are less likely to get your belly button pierced after age 23 or try sushi for the first time after age 40ish. his suggestion: to stay open-minded and open to adventure, keep your professional life dynamic. i guess (unknowingly), i've taken his advice to heart.
i recently received an email from an old colleague who talked about viewing jobs as projects. some last for a year, some for 2, some for more. then, you find another project. i like that approach - it makes us all project managers, and validates my career trajectory thus far. i always considered her a valuable mentor when we worked together, so i was lucky to hear from her again after 5 years and receive some more straightforward advice.
my dad, another of my favorite professional mentors, always tells me to build on what i know. if there's a common link connecting your "projects," you'll create a collection of experiences and skills to draw on in any new environment. no question that's been true with me. i know it's not so obvious, but trust me - there's a common link. 101paige 101iph
i listened to an npr podcast of all things considered today. it was an interview with robert sapolsky, a neuroscientist at stanford (and the author of a primate's memoir). he was talking about how it's human nature to fall into routine as you age, and how the older you get the less likely you are to try something new. for example, your life-long musical tastes are determined between ages 14-21; by the time you're 35 the music library of your life is for all intents and purposes set. more to topic, he said that those who stay in one profession for a long time and gain eminence in that profession are the least likely to explore new things. of course, it's not a bad thing to be eminent in your field - you're well respected, you're extremely knowledgeable about a particular subject however narrow or broad - but, you are less likely to get your belly button pierced after age 23 or try sushi for the first time after age 40ish. his suggestion: to stay open-minded and open to adventure, keep your professional life dynamic. i guess (unknowingly), i've taken his advice to heart.
i recently received an email from an old colleague who talked about viewing jobs as projects. some last for a year, some for 2, some for more. then, you find another project. i like that approach - it makes us all project managers, and validates my career trajectory thus far. i always considered her a valuable mentor when we worked together, so i was lucky to hear from her again after 5 years and receive some more straightforward advice.
my dad, another of my favorite professional mentors, always tells me to build on what i know. if there's a common link connecting your "projects," you'll create a collection of experiences and skills to draw on in any new environment. no question that's been true with me. i know it's not so obvious, but trust me - there's a common link. 101paige 101iph
Labels: global-health, paige
1 Comments:
Hello Paige and Phil,
I came upon your page as I was searching for an Africa packing list that did not revolve around Safari clothes and which gun permits to bring. I was immediately drawn into your unique site and excited by the similarities between your story and the adventure my fiancee and I are about to embark on. We are heading to Kenya, Uganda and Ghana for six months to shoot a documentary immediately after our Minnesota wedding on September 30th. I was especially inspired by your wedding ceremony...we are trying to create something totally unique to us that takes seriously the commitment we are making, but doesn't require us to become one person. I felt so excited to discover other folks who are trying to live creatively and compassionately and are lucky enough to do exactly that with their partner. I've bookmarked your site and I plan on checking back often. Best of Luck to you both.
Becky and Eric
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