A life in science—a way to conquer your demons (but maybe not the best way). (10th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hammer, Cornelius
• Editors: Browman, Howard
• Is Part Of: ICES journal of marine science. Volume 77:Number 7/8(2020)
• Page Start: 2463
• Page End: 2471
• Publication Date: 2020-08-10
• Subjects: autobiography -- career planning -- performance metrics -- social anxiety disorder -- success -- failure; Ocean -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Bibliography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsaa091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-3139

Abstract

Abstract: A career does not follow a straight path. Determination, decision-making, and focus are essential ingredients, as well as a fair amount of flexibility, especially when one is struggling with contradictory signals. Career planning and the necessary decision-making must be learned however, and this may be particularly difficult when negative outcomes are likely and encouragement is rare. Under such circumstances, finding a job that makes one happy could be considered a noteworthy measure of success. However, even after attaining such a position, many tend to compare their own performance and career development with those of the celebrities in the field. This can only result in frustration and insecurity. Furthermore, success in marine science is generally characterized by metrics, together with the manner in which one's career has advanced through a series of positions occupied in the zig-zag from student life to retirement. For me, a more personal kind of success has been to overcome the fear of failure that arises through constant comparison of my own performance and achievements with those who are perceived as the best in the field. This might be viewed more as social anxiety than fear as I will explain in this article.