The End Is Near

I am sadly counting down the days.  In between patients, I am taking a breather from the mask, and at the same time thinking about my two-year run working with the Johns Hopkins University at the Wilmer Eye Institute – Low Vision Clinic, which is coming to an end soon.  Two years!  Where did the time go?!

Time is relative, especially when it comes to a job you like. This job absolutely had its rewards. It definitely opened a new world to me – Low Vision Research.  I’ve worked on device trials before, but not in ophthalmology.  (For those who don’t know… Low vision refers to vision loss that cannot be corrected with medical or surgical treatments or conventional eyeglasses.)

I worked with a brilliant team. Although, most of my work was done independently.  As for my patients, for the most part, they were positively wonderful.  (A few have become friends. I clearly met some kindred spirits.)

If you want a better work experience, my rule has always been – give to get.  You can’t just show up at a job and expect everything to be fabulous.  You have to be fabulous because that’s why you were hired.  You’ve got to give your best, and if you find out the job wasn’t what you thought it would be, or that the people around you aren’t a positive fit, play it cool, stick it out to see what you can do to change the culture and outcomes.  If you don’t have the ability to do that, finding it pointless, quickly look for something else, but don’t overstay your welcome and become part of the problem. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you find out you are like everyone else, a walking liability.

In all parts of life… If you want better outcomes, start making better choices.  It’s never too late.  To not will make you a walking liability, too. – paerki