I just started working at a fast food restaurant and am really just blown away by how much rewarding it is that my last job working at a social welfare agency “helping people.” There is almost ALWAYS something to do AND my work can be objectively measured, two things untrue of my last job.

I’m trying to figure out what I want out of life, and work, and career, and I think this is really important to me: I actually need to be DOING something, something that I have direct control over, and something that I don’t NEED to say, “Look what a good job I did” because it is transparent.

Part of the reason I think this is important to me is if these requirements are NOT met, then the job is essentially convincing OTHERS that you are good at your job and/or that they like you. If what you do is opaque, unclear, or hard to measure, you have to constantly be policing the social narrative around yourself and your work–two things I have absolutely no interest (or ability?) in doing.

What’s been your experience?

  • Clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    4·
    11 days ago

    I wandered in from /all and have nothing to do with anything in this post, but I wanted to comment that I see how hard you’re trying to help OP. You’re a good egg, as my grandma would have said.

    • Arcanepotato@crazypeople.onlineEnglish
      4·
      10 days ago

      Thanks, it’s the autism!

      Jokes aside I wanted to reply to share the following with folks: it’s my professional obligation and I am involved in formal and informal mentorship IRL so I’ve got a “script” for different challenges I’ve encountered. It’s low effort but can really help. I encourage all professionals to make mentorship a priority.