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Re:Floyd Martin retires after nearly 35 years as a mailman t... by lazyjones on Friday May 24, 2019 @11:16AM (#20002397)
How did you end up choosing to do this? Some of us took this path because we didn't get along with people.
Re:Floyd Martin retires after nearly 35 years as a mailman t... by lm28469 on Friday May 24, 2019 @11:52AM (#20002789)
Most people don't really chose consciously. We just follow what we're told until it seems too late to deviate from the course.

I personally ended up in IT because "why not it pays well and I like computers", I wasn't the same person when I chose that path and now I'm actively trying to figure a reasonable way out.

> There are only a few who control themselves and their affairs by a guiding purpose; the rest do not proceed; they are merely swept along, like objects afloat in a river. And of these objects, some are held back by sluggish waters and are transported gently; others are torn along by a more violent current; some, which are nearest the bank, are left there as the current slackens; and others are carried out to sea by the onrush of the stream. Therefore, we should decide what we wish, and abide by the decision. - Seneca

Re:Floyd Martin retires after nearly 35 years as a mailman t... by lazyjones on Friday May 24, 2019 @02:23PM (#20004038)
> I personally ended up in IT because "why not it pays well and I like computers",

I liked computers too, ever since my (divorced) dad showed me one. But why did I find them so interesting? Probably because I mostly played / occupied myself alone as a child, I read books while other children preferred "stupid" outdoor activities. We don't do what we're told, we follow whatever suits our personalities, at least if we have a choice.

> There are only a few who control themselves and their affairs by a guiding purpose;

This is more about goals in life, no?

Re:Floyd Martin retires after nearly 35 years as a mailman t... by pknopf on Friday May 24, 2019 @11:19AM (#20002418)
I'm starting to realize I'm not good with people either.

I've got a problem with everyone and everyone has a problem with me.

Re:Floyd Martin retires after nearly 35 years as a mailman t... by sol_invictus on Friday May 24, 2019 @11:35AM (#20002625)
This forum is very hard science, measurement, real-world - but I've extracted great joy and peace in some of the more eastern, buddhist-type teachings. Building compassion towards other people needs to start by being compassionate towards yourself.

You don't need to buy into the dogma, but some of the buddhist authors have developed great mental practices of dealing with fear, for instance. As an example author, I thoroughly recommend Thich Nhat Hanh.

Self-compassion also has great benefits in the business world, as you learn to understand and listen to your counterparts better, instead of being driven by a selfish agenda. This is, of course, just a by-product and not the main dish.