Ixchel needed someone to create this week's "What I Learned" thread, so I'll go ahead and attempt to rise to the occasion. I've learned a few things...
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I learned that discipline is fundamental. I am referring to self-discipline. After a decade of shift work, I now work from a home-based office and am finding I lack the discipline to get my day started in a timely manner. When I had to report to an actual workplace and punch a time clock, it was enough of an incentive to arrive on time. However, since I now work under a laissez-faire manager and must determine the course of my own work day, it's been tough.
2. Routine is King:
I learned that some people can go with the flow. I have no problem going with the flow, but my work day needs to be routinized. I need a set wake-up time, a coffee routine, and knowledge of how my work day will turn out. I suppose this is how I remained in LTC nursing for six years...I somewhat knew the residents and routine, which made things easier for me.
3. Networking is King:
I learned that our professional lives are made easier by having a network of colleagues that will have your back, answer your questions, and put in a good word for you whenever you need a reference. I got my current gig by having a friend put in a good word about me to the hiring manager.
4. Reciprocation is King:
I learned that reciprocation is important. If someone does something helpful for you, it will be beneficial for you to reciprocate by doing something helpful in return. Karma will reward you for doing to others as they do to you.
5. People are King:
I learned that relationships with people contribute to the spice of life. For example, I returned from a toddler's birthday party a few hours ago. Both his mother and I are nurses. The toddler's father (my friend's spouse) has a wide social circle of longtime friends. My friend complains about her husband's social circle, but I can tell that these people are enriching his life since he enjoys their presence. Without relationships with various people, our lives and worldviews can be limited.
