In the ever-evolving landscape of the technology industry, it is easy to find oneself grappling with the desire to excel in multiple domains. Among such domains, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) stand out as particularly captivating. However, sometimes, it’s imperative to introspect and understand where our true strengths lie. In my journey, I’ve discovered the significance of balancing personal ambitions with the pursuit of excellence in one’s core competencies.
I have been trying to learn Deep Learning for a while. I feel like I am being left out by the cool kids of the industry. The problem is that my domain of work is mostly engineering; I rarely work with large data or anything that requires machine learning.
Knowing that it is somewhat difficult to break into the ML/AI field as an ML Engineer, as it requires experience in the domain, I decided to stop and think for a while. My potential actually lies in engineering. I know I have limitations, and I need to work on these limitations — namely, being good at documenting what I do and making it easier for other engineers to build on top of my ideas.
This is where the idea hit me: sometimes we are torn between what we like to do and what we are good at. What I see in my situation is that if I fulfill my potential and do extraordinary work that results in something truly amazing, I might get the opportunity and the help needed to fulfill my dream of learning and working with the latest tech in ML/AI.
This also reminds me of the importance of patience and how it can significantly impact the way I am perceived as a professional — someone who can control his urges for the greater good. I observe this in most teams, where everyone wants to work on the latest and greatest. I think it takes effort not to go with what I want to do (which, in many cases, can align with work benefits), but sometimes one leads by being selfless and giving others the chance to grow in a certain area. I also believe that maintaining a positive attitude towards everyone around is much more important than deciding what to do or who will do what.
In conclusion, finding a harmonious balance between following one’s passion and capitalizing on inherent strengths is vital. The relentless pursuit of dreams should be complemented with patience, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence in one’s field. This combination not only enhances personal growth but also fosters a supportive and positive environment for everyone involved. While it may not be easy to resist the allure of new, cutting-edge technologies like ML/AI, investing in the skills and knowledge where we can truly make a difference can sometimes lead us down a more rewarding path.
