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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do you think anyone can do any job if they work hard?

107 replies

Angryvindictivewasps · 01/02/2025 13:38

Let's say you're in nursing and you start a career in tax, something you've never done before and have no knowledge in.
You're given a rigorous programme to get through in order to become a 'tax specialist'.
Would you feel like if you just worked hard enough, put in the extra hours and did all the studying, you or anyone could become this tax expert or (insert profession)

Or, do you believe that some people are just not cut out for certain careers no matter what or will just feel out of their depth and shouldn't feel they have to? Honestly at my point in life I don't think I've got the headspace to train in and learn something completely new and alien, especially something like that which doesn't interest me.

OP posts:
sweeneytoddsrazor · 01/02/2025 13:48

No I don't think that. There are plenty of things I cannot do no matter how hard I try or how many times I watch tutorials on them. The same goes fir everyone

Zapx · 01/02/2025 13:48

No, not a chance. We all have different abilities, and not everyone can get to the top in any field if they just “put the work in”. The idea that everyone could be an astronaut if they wanted and just worked hard enough is not plausible to me in the slightest.

Chasingsquirrels · 01/02/2025 13:47

Poppyseeds79 · 01/02/2025 13:44

No, I'm pretty sure at 45 if I started training for the gymnastic Olympics I'd fail miserably.

Haha, I can relate to that!

HPandthelastwish · 01/02/2025 13:47

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, can we learn a new job enough to be functional? - probably if there are no additional needs at play

But I know I'd be a rubbish carer or waitress. I'm not empathetic enough and clumsy as hell. I'm not great at admin as I'm not organised enough and struggle with managing my own time without procrastinating. Maths and numbers puts the fear of god into me even though I have a science degree and work in a scientific field. I hate being coped up indoors and like being out whatever the weather.

I'm fabulous at reactive jobs, thinking on your feet, dealing with emergencies and problem solving. You wouldn't want me to do your taxes or bring your food and drink to a table but you might want me if your house is flooding or you need first aid.

If you need to find a new job, find something that aligns somewhere with your strengths.

Poppyseeds79 · 01/02/2025 13:44

No, I'm pretty sure at 45 if I started training for the gymnastic Olympics I'd fail miserably.

Lifestooshort71 · 01/02/2025 13:44

My mother always used to say 'you can be anything you want if you set your mind to it'. We all proved her wrong.

Chasingsquirrels · 01/02/2025 13:41

Not everyone has the manual dexterity and mindset to undertake numerous activities to a decent standard.

Not everyone has the academic IQ to learn various sets of knowledge.

Not everyone has the mindset to undertake various caring roles with the compassion which the cared-for individuals deserve.

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