Often the most helpful thing you can do for others is to help figure out the gray areas in life.
For example, as a consultant I often work with companies that aren’t sure of what they want to do. They look to us for advice of what other companies do, and criteria to help them make a specific decision for them.
In this process it often can overwhelm them with information. So one part is to give people possibilities, and the other part is to help them focus on what is practical and realistic.
For most companies that is a budget. Most companies want to spend as little as possible which makes sense. However for some companies due to their nature, they have to spend more on security and that can be a challenge.
No one wants to tell their boss they need to spend more money. However it is also true, that security gaps exist and those need to be pointed out.
Having a consulting company help you is like seeing a therapist or talking to an honest friend. You may not always want to hear what they have to say, but generally it makes your life easier and even saves you money.
Now I am not trying to justify what I do. I am simply sharing an inside view of what life as a consultant is like. I really enjoy it. It is fun to use what you have learned with other companies to help this one. In IT you learn each day and it is a challenge to keep up in your area of expertise. I never feel bored in IT and for me that is rewarding.
Sometimes though you get stuck. This morning I felt stuck because I wasn’t sure the direction I should work today. I talked with a friend about it and they provided helpful suggestions that I did. It makes you feel good when your network and friends can help you with a problem that you have. No one is universally creative everyday. That is ok. It is enough to be good at what you do. You don’t have to be perfect everyday. In fact that is kind of annoying.
A book I read once said “allow imperfections in your perfection.” I thought that was nonsense when I read it. I wanted to be perfect. However I see that being relatable means that you can admit you don’t know, and get help. We all need to admit that we don’t always know, and to ask for help when we need it. I know that I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today without the help of others.