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

[Angryvindictivewasps]

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.

In what way do you think its damaging? Surely it's just another way of encouraging kids to study and get the best exam results they can in school?

Then you can deal with the alternatives ones the penny starts to drop on the kids that their prelim / mocks? / actual exam results are no where near good enough.

Ok you don't have the grades to be a Doctor but alternatives could be nursing, physiotherapist etc

I could definitely get off the beam by myself.

Not how anyone would intend, though!

I always wanted to have a go, but I expect that would be me.

It's just the landing that's the issue!

I think it's quite ableist to parrot this tbh. Obviously a blind person can't be a train driver. Complete nonsense and one of those phrases that is just said without thought for the consequences for the sake of having something to say. No better than "she's gone to a better place" (well she was quite happy here) or "all lives matter" (yes but some matter less than others by your value system clearly) or "war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength".

Definitely not and as PPs have mentioned the “you can do whatever you set your mind to” rhetoric is very misleading and dangerous. It actually does more damage to people’s self esteem long term than being realistic about their aptitude and understanding their limitations.

Having said that, I think wanting to do something goes a surprisingly long way. Sometimes sheer bloody mindedness is more important than inherent ability.

I am awful, utterly awful, at maths. Probably borderline dyscalcula. But I am now in charge of a lot of financial forecasting and budgeting decisions in my job. I got into the industry I work in through verbal and writing ability and would never have been hired as a financial controller or planner but as I have become more senior I have had to learn a lot of this.

If push comes to shove and you have to learn something for work or survival you normally can.

I could land. Definitely could manage that.
It would be how I landed would be the issue. 🤣

I've known a few children whose bottom has fallen out of their world when they've discovered that they don't have a hope in hell in getting where they always wanted (not all academic), and been encouraged to think that they can do it as long as they work.
Mentally, it was damaging for all, and those I know still struggle with self-esteem.