Significant Career Lesson From An Associate Professor Of Special Education At The Ohio State University
Carly, an Associate Professor of Special Education, learned that "comparison is the thief of joy," a lesson crucial in academia's competitive environment. Resisting the constant need to "prove" oneself and focusing on meaningful work, rather than solely resume-building, allows for satisfaction and a better work-life balance.
Higher Education, Academia, Special Education, Work-Life Balance, Self-Compassion
Advizer Information
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Carly Blustein Gilson
Associate Professor of Special Education
The Ohio State University
University of Florida, 2010
Boston College, M.Ed. in Secondary English Education (g. 2011); Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in Special Education (g. 2017)
Creative Writing, Journalism
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. The tendency to compare oneself to others can be paralyzing, especially in competitive fields like academia. Focus on individual achievements and progress rather than external comparisons.
2. There is no single metric for success in academia (or any career). Prioritize satisfaction with accomplishments and a balanced life rather than constantly striving for more.
3. Work should be driven by meaning and a desire to help others, not solely by resume-building. Finding this balance allows for greater presence and effectiveness in work.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I think about this quote often: "Comparison is the thief of joy." This can be really paralyzing in academia, a competitive and ambitious field.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others and look at their accomplishments, like publications or grant money. Even outside of academia, we do this a lot with social media, friends' resumes, or just by thinking about what others are doing.
For me, the lesson is to resist the need to compare and the "proving process." This means letting go of the idea that you always need to prove yourself, whether it's to yourself, your parents, your employer, or your university.
Constantly trying to prove yourself can make you feel not good enough, creating a vicious cycle. I've found this process is very individualized; there's no single metric for success.
There isn't a magic number of publications or a high salary that defines success, because you can always do better. I try to remind myself to be satisfied and proud of my accomplishments.
I aim to work as hard as I can, find balance in my life, and still have a life outside of work. This allows me to be more present and ensure my work is driven by meaning and a willingness to help others, rather than just adding to my resume.