Is this a silly reason to want to be better at my job? [on hold]





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I recently started a new position as a software/electrical engineer at a mid-size tech company. I have a dual degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science (BS CECS), and a Masters in Education (M.Ed). I left the tech field almost 10 years ago to become a middle school math teacher and give back to my community using my tech skills/abilities to make math more fun and engaging for young students. I worked hard to earn my Masters so I could be a more effective teacher, and I had a wonderful time teaching, but education doesn't pay the bills, so I left to rejoin the tech field.



Upon my hiring at the tech company I was thrust into new programming languages, new projects, and other things that are WAY over my head, and I often times feel like I'm drowning. Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on. It's a little annoying because the questions they ask are questions I feel I know, and I am a people pleasing personality. So I want to please others and feel included in my new work environment.



My question is - is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions? I feel my drive and work ethic is through the roof since my hiring, and I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my coding, installation, maintenance, and all around knowledge of all things in my department. I want people to come to me and ask my my opinion/help/whatever.



Is this a silly reason to want to be better at my job?










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put on hold as primarily opinion-based by gnat, Dukeling, Strader, mxyzplk, Jim G. yesterday


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.











  • 8




    Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
    – DarkCygnus
    Nov 15 at 20:39






  • 1




    Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
    – Kilisi
    Nov 15 at 23:34



















up vote
2
down vote

favorite












I recently started a new position as a software/electrical engineer at a mid-size tech company. I have a dual degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science (BS CECS), and a Masters in Education (M.Ed). I left the tech field almost 10 years ago to become a middle school math teacher and give back to my community using my tech skills/abilities to make math more fun and engaging for young students. I worked hard to earn my Masters so I could be a more effective teacher, and I had a wonderful time teaching, but education doesn't pay the bills, so I left to rejoin the tech field.



Upon my hiring at the tech company I was thrust into new programming languages, new projects, and other things that are WAY over my head, and I often times feel like I'm drowning. Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on. It's a little annoying because the questions they ask are questions I feel I know, and I am a people pleasing personality. So I want to please others and feel included in my new work environment.



My question is - is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions? I feel my drive and work ethic is through the roof since my hiring, and I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my coding, installation, maintenance, and all around knowledge of all things in my department. I want people to come to me and ask my my opinion/help/whatever.



Is this a silly reason to want to be better at my job?










share|improve this question







New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











put on hold as primarily opinion-based by gnat, Dukeling, Strader, mxyzplk, Jim G. yesterday


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.











  • 8




    Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
    – DarkCygnus
    Nov 15 at 20:39






  • 1




    Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
    – Kilisi
    Nov 15 at 23:34















up vote
2
down vote

favorite









up vote
2
down vote

favorite











I recently started a new position as a software/electrical engineer at a mid-size tech company. I have a dual degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science (BS CECS), and a Masters in Education (M.Ed). I left the tech field almost 10 years ago to become a middle school math teacher and give back to my community using my tech skills/abilities to make math more fun and engaging for young students. I worked hard to earn my Masters so I could be a more effective teacher, and I had a wonderful time teaching, but education doesn't pay the bills, so I left to rejoin the tech field.



Upon my hiring at the tech company I was thrust into new programming languages, new projects, and other things that are WAY over my head, and I often times feel like I'm drowning. Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on. It's a little annoying because the questions they ask are questions I feel I know, and I am a people pleasing personality. So I want to please others and feel included in my new work environment.



My question is - is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions? I feel my drive and work ethic is through the roof since my hiring, and I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my coding, installation, maintenance, and all around knowledge of all things in my department. I want people to come to me and ask my my opinion/help/whatever.



Is this a silly reason to want to be better at my job?










share|improve this question







New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I recently started a new position as a software/electrical engineer at a mid-size tech company. I have a dual degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science (BS CECS), and a Masters in Education (M.Ed). I left the tech field almost 10 years ago to become a middle school math teacher and give back to my community using my tech skills/abilities to make math more fun and engaging for young students. I worked hard to earn my Masters so I could be a more effective teacher, and I had a wonderful time teaching, but education doesn't pay the bills, so I left to rejoin the tech field.



Upon my hiring at the tech company I was thrust into new programming languages, new projects, and other things that are WAY over my head, and I often times feel like I'm drowning. Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on. It's a little annoying because the questions they ask are questions I feel I know, and I am a people pleasing personality. So I want to please others and feel included in my new work environment.



My question is - is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions? I feel my drive and work ethic is through the roof since my hiring, and I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my coding, installation, maintenance, and all around knowledge of all things in my department. I want people to come to me and ask my my opinion/help/whatever.



Is this a silly reason to want to be better at my job?







work-environment new-job






share|improve this question







New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question







New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question






New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked Nov 15 at 19:34









MacItaly

172




172




New contributor




MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





New contributor





MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






MacItaly is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




put on hold as primarily opinion-based by gnat, Dukeling, Strader, mxyzplk, Jim G. yesterday


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.






put on hold as primarily opinion-based by gnat, Dukeling, Strader, mxyzplk, Jim G. yesterday


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.










  • 8




    Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
    – DarkCygnus
    Nov 15 at 20:39






  • 1




    Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
    – Kilisi
    Nov 15 at 23:34
















  • 8




    Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
    – DarkCygnus
    Nov 15 at 20:39






  • 1




    Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
    – Kilisi
    Nov 15 at 23:34










8




8




Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
– DarkCygnus
Nov 15 at 20:39




Wanting to be better at your job is never silly
– DarkCygnus
Nov 15 at 20:39




1




1




Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
– Kilisi
Nov 15 at 23:34






Seems sad that education doesn't pay the bills, you seem to be very suited for it
– Kilisi
Nov 15 at 23:34












3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
4
down vote














Is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions?




There isn't anything inherently wrong with wanting to be the person with all of the answers as long as you realize sometimes you won't have the answers and be willing to learn from someone else. It's important that you do not try to horde all of the knowledge too. The engineers that advance in their careers are the ones willing to learn new things and teach other people those new things.




Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on.




You are still new to the company and you haven't developed enough clout yet. This will come with time, but speak up in the meeting or to your manager if you think you can help. Keep in mind you'll start to see people coming to you for answers typically when you have been at the company for 6 months to 1 year.






share|improve this answer





















  • Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
    – abrhm21
    Nov 15 at 22:41


















up vote
3
down vote














is it wrong to want to be "that guy"




This is something you earn over time. You don't fall into it just because you want to. You get there by earning trust and respect for your knowledge and competence.



Trying to be 'that guy' actually makes you 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot'.



Become the best at something and you become that guy by default. It's not totally about popularity either. You can be that guy for small issues and have a guru who no one likes who is the real 'go to guy'.






share|improve this answer























  • I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
    – MacItaly
    2 days ago










  • I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
    – Kilisi
    2 days ago




















up vote
0
down vote













Are you wrong for wanting to be the go-to guy for some aspect of your company's work? Certainly not! That is an excellent aspiration, and you should never give it up. It's the way you make a name for yourself.



It takes a while to get there. You might start by picking some area of of your company's work that's neglected. Then, educate yourself on it. Maybe you can even get the company to spring for a training program or trade-show visit. Ask your supervisor to give you assignments giving you experience in that area.



You also should consider investing in your own training. There are plenty of free online resources, and some modestly priced paid ones. Pluralsight and Safari Books Online are just two (I have no relationship with either outfit other than customer).



Don't sell your teaching experience short. Your decade of experience engaging thirteen-year-olds and explaining stuff to them means you have rare and valuable skills in engineering: the knowledge of what's obvious and what isn't, the chops to make it accessible, and ways of knowing whether your audience "gets it" or not.



Who knows? Maybe you'll be a renowned system architect in ten years, because you're able to explain what needs to get built.



Be patient with yourself: you'll get there.






share|improve this answer




























    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    4
    down vote














    Is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions?




    There isn't anything inherently wrong with wanting to be the person with all of the answers as long as you realize sometimes you won't have the answers and be willing to learn from someone else. It's important that you do not try to horde all of the knowledge too. The engineers that advance in their careers are the ones willing to learn new things and teach other people those new things.




    Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on.




    You are still new to the company and you haven't developed enough clout yet. This will come with time, but speak up in the meeting or to your manager if you think you can help. Keep in mind you'll start to see people coming to you for answers typically when you have been at the company for 6 months to 1 year.






    share|improve this answer





















    • Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
      – abrhm21
      Nov 15 at 22:41















    up vote
    4
    down vote














    Is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions?




    There isn't anything inherently wrong with wanting to be the person with all of the answers as long as you realize sometimes you won't have the answers and be willing to learn from someone else. It's important that you do not try to horde all of the knowledge too. The engineers that advance in their careers are the ones willing to learn new things and teach other people those new things.




    Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on.




    You are still new to the company and you haven't developed enough clout yet. This will come with time, but speak up in the meeting or to your manager if you think you can help. Keep in mind you'll start to see people coming to you for answers typically when you have been at the company for 6 months to 1 year.






    share|improve this answer





















    • Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
      – abrhm21
      Nov 15 at 22:41













    up vote
    4
    down vote










    up vote
    4
    down vote










    Is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions?




    There isn't anything inherently wrong with wanting to be the person with all of the answers as long as you realize sometimes you won't have the answers and be willing to learn from someone else. It's important that you do not try to horde all of the knowledge too. The engineers that advance in their careers are the ones willing to learn new things and teach other people those new things.




    Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on.




    You are still new to the company and you haven't developed enough clout yet. This will come with time, but speak up in the meeting or to your manager if you think you can help. Keep in mind you'll start to see people coming to you for answers typically when you have been at the company for 6 months to 1 year.






    share|improve this answer













    Is it wrong to want to be "that guy" that everyone comes to for their solutions?




    There isn't anything inherently wrong with wanting to be the person with all of the answers as long as you realize sometimes you won't have the answers and be willing to learn from someone else. It's important that you do not try to horde all of the knowledge too. The engineers that advance in their careers are the ones willing to learn new things and teach other people those new things.




    Because of my lack of knowledge on a lot of things I am often looked over and bypassed for my colleagues when others, outside the engineering department, have questions pertaining to things I'm working on.




    You are still new to the company and you haven't developed enough clout yet. This will come with time, but speak up in the meeting or to your manager if you think you can help. Keep in mind you'll start to see people coming to you for answers typically when you have been at the company for 6 months to 1 year.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Nov 15 at 20:04









    jcmack

    5,9611935




    5,9611935












    • Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
      – abrhm21
      Nov 15 at 22:41


















    • Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
      – abrhm21
      Nov 15 at 22:41
















    Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
    – abrhm21
    Nov 15 at 22:41




    Great answer, it is hard to be "that guy" when you're still learning your way around the company.
    – abrhm21
    Nov 15 at 22:41












    up vote
    3
    down vote














    is it wrong to want to be "that guy"




    This is something you earn over time. You don't fall into it just because you want to. You get there by earning trust and respect for your knowledge and competence.



    Trying to be 'that guy' actually makes you 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot'.



    Become the best at something and you become that guy by default. It's not totally about popularity either. You can be that guy for small issues and have a guru who no one likes who is the real 'go to guy'.






    share|improve this answer























    • I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
      – MacItaly
      2 days ago










    • I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
      – Kilisi
      2 days ago

















    up vote
    3
    down vote














    is it wrong to want to be "that guy"




    This is something you earn over time. You don't fall into it just because you want to. You get there by earning trust and respect for your knowledge and competence.



    Trying to be 'that guy' actually makes you 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot'.



    Become the best at something and you become that guy by default. It's not totally about popularity either. You can be that guy for small issues and have a guru who no one likes who is the real 'go to guy'.






    share|improve this answer























    • I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
      – MacItaly
      2 days ago










    • I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
      – Kilisi
      2 days ago















    up vote
    3
    down vote










    up vote
    3
    down vote










    is it wrong to want to be "that guy"




    This is something you earn over time. You don't fall into it just because you want to. You get there by earning trust and respect for your knowledge and competence.



    Trying to be 'that guy' actually makes you 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot'.



    Become the best at something and you become that guy by default. It's not totally about popularity either. You can be that guy for small issues and have a guru who no one likes who is the real 'go to guy'.






    share|improve this answer















    is it wrong to want to be "that guy"




    This is something you earn over time. You don't fall into it just because you want to. You get there by earning trust and respect for your knowledge and competence.



    Trying to be 'that guy' actually makes you 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot'.



    Become the best at something and you become that guy by default. It's not totally about popularity either. You can be that guy for small issues and have a guru who no one likes who is the real 'go to guy'.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Nov 16 at 0:37

























    answered Nov 15 at 23:39









    Kilisi

    107k59241418




    107k59241418












    • I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
      – MacItaly
      2 days ago










    • I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
      – Kilisi
      2 days ago




















    • I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
      – MacItaly
      2 days ago










    • I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
      – Kilisi
      2 days ago


















    I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
    – MacItaly
    2 days ago




    I am definitely not 'that annoying person who is always telling me how to do things properly like I'm an idiot." I work hard to give everyone a lot of respect and work toward resolutions together. Being a teacher helped me to hone those skills.
    – MacItaly
    2 days ago












    I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
    – Kilisi
    2 days ago






    I didn't say you were, I meant that is the perception when you 'try' to be 'that guy' rather than naturally fill the position.
    – Kilisi
    2 days ago












    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Are you wrong for wanting to be the go-to guy for some aspect of your company's work? Certainly not! That is an excellent aspiration, and you should never give it up. It's the way you make a name for yourself.



    It takes a while to get there. You might start by picking some area of of your company's work that's neglected. Then, educate yourself on it. Maybe you can even get the company to spring for a training program or trade-show visit. Ask your supervisor to give you assignments giving you experience in that area.



    You also should consider investing in your own training. There are plenty of free online resources, and some modestly priced paid ones. Pluralsight and Safari Books Online are just two (I have no relationship with either outfit other than customer).



    Don't sell your teaching experience short. Your decade of experience engaging thirteen-year-olds and explaining stuff to them means you have rare and valuable skills in engineering: the knowledge of what's obvious and what isn't, the chops to make it accessible, and ways of knowing whether your audience "gets it" or not.



    Who knows? Maybe you'll be a renowned system architect in ten years, because you're able to explain what needs to get built.



    Be patient with yourself: you'll get there.






    share|improve this answer

























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      Are you wrong for wanting to be the go-to guy for some aspect of your company's work? Certainly not! That is an excellent aspiration, and you should never give it up. It's the way you make a name for yourself.



      It takes a while to get there. You might start by picking some area of of your company's work that's neglected. Then, educate yourself on it. Maybe you can even get the company to spring for a training program or trade-show visit. Ask your supervisor to give you assignments giving you experience in that area.



      You also should consider investing in your own training. There are plenty of free online resources, and some modestly priced paid ones. Pluralsight and Safari Books Online are just two (I have no relationship with either outfit other than customer).



      Don't sell your teaching experience short. Your decade of experience engaging thirteen-year-olds and explaining stuff to them means you have rare and valuable skills in engineering: the knowledge of what's obvious and what isn't, the chops to make it accessible, and ways of knowing whether your audience "gets it" or not.



      Who knows? Maybe you'll be a renowned system architect in ten years, because you're able to explain what needs to get built.



      Be patient with yourself: you'll get there.






      share|improve this answer























        up vote
        0
        down vote










        up vote
        0
        down vote









        Are you wrong for wanting to be the go-to guy for some aspect of your company's work? Certainly not! That is an excellent aspiration, and you should never give it up. It's the way you make a name for yourself.



        It takes a while to get there. You might start by picking some area of of your company's work that's neglected. Then, educate yourself on it. Maybe you can even get the company to spring for a training program or trade-show visit. Ask your supervisor to give you assignments giving you experience in that area.



        You also should consider investing in your own training. There are plenty of free online resources, and some modestly priced paid ones. Pluralsight and Safari Books Online are just two (I have no relationship with either outfit other than customer).



        Don't sell your teaching experience short. Your decade of experience engaging thirteen-year-olds and explaining stuff to them means you have rare and valuable skills in engineering: the knowledge of what's obvious and what isn't, the chops to make it accessible, and ways of knowing whether your audience "gets it" or not.



        Who knows? Maybe you'll be a renowned system architect in ten years, because you're able to explain what needs to get built.



        Be patient with yourself: you'll get there.






        share|improve this answer












        Are you wrong for wanting to be the go-to guy for some aspect of your company's work? Certainly not! That is an excellent aspiration, and you should never give it up. It's the way you make a name for yourself.



        It takes a while to get there. You might start by picking some area of of your company's work that's neglected. Then, educate yourself on it. Maybe you can even get the company to spring for a training program or trade-show visit. Ask your supervisor to give you assignments giving you experience in that area.



        You also should consider investing in your own training. There are plenty of free online resources, and some modestly priced paid ones. Pluralsight and Safari Books Online are just two (I have no relationship with either outfit other than customer).



        Don't sell your teaching experience short. Your decade of experience engaging thirteen-year-olds and explaining stuff to them means you have rare and valuable skills in engineering: the knowledge of what's obvious and what isn't, the chops to make it accessible, and ways of knowing whether your audience "gets it" or not.



        Who knows? Maybe you'll be a renowned system architect in ten years, because you're able to explain what needs to get built.



        Be patient with yourself: you'll get there.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered yesterday









        O. Jones

        13.7k24070




        13.7k24070















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