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Ask HN: Do you have a mentor? How has s/he helped you? How did you find s/him?

14 points by superasn 9y ago

Top19 9y ago
1. Mentors should be people much older than you. There generational knowledge, much of which has been lost, is a value unmeasurable and you will not find on the internet or in almost any book still in print. This also means they are retired, their kids have gone to college, etc. and this they have more time. 2. If you work for a big large company that’s been around for a while, find one of the old-timers. Someone who started in 1990 or earlier. What are the fads they’ve seen? What trends have turned out to be pure intellectual charlantry? Who really turned out to be a success? 3. If you don’t, consider looking at something SCORE, a program with a good reputation specifically set up for mentors. 4. Being a mentor and having a mentee is such a deeply rewarding experience you’re almost doing them a favor, at the very least the exchange is 50-50. Keep this in mind.
atsaloli 9y ago
I have a mentor. We met through a talk he gave at my church. He's got a lot of altitude with me. Sometimes when I'm not sure I will talk to him and it helps me to pick the course of action and to be sure about it. He also pushes me and ask me questions that help me to confront areas of my life that I would normally shy away from. We make a good team and I'm happy I found him. I help others to pay it back. He is older than me. In fact, he recently retired. This adds to the altitude. Plus he is extremely knowledgeable and capable and an amazing public speaker. And really fun too! One of the things I've learned from him it's how to enjoy life more. Very valuable!
desaiguddu 9y ago
I had the same conversation with my co-founder. We require a mentor who can help us maintain discipline & growth.
tiuPapa 9y ago
Having a mentor seems like a nice idea. It would be awesome to discuss things I am learning with someone more knowledgeable, but to be honest, hiring a mentor seems like a bit too luxurious if you are on a tight budget.

14 points by superasn 9y ago

1. Mentors should be people much older than you. There generational knowledge, much of which has been lost, is a value unmeasurable and you will not find on the internet or in almost any book still in print. This also means they are retired, their kids have gone to college, etc. and this they have more time. 2. If you work for a big large company that’s been around for a while, find one of the old-timers. Someone who started in 1990 or earlier. What are the fads they’ve seen? What trends have turned out to be pure intellectual charlantry? Who really turned out to be a success? 3. If you don’t, consider looking at something SCORE, a program with a good reputation specifically set up for mentors. 4. Being a mentor and having a mentee is such a deeply rewarding experience you’re almost doing them a favor, at the very least the exchange is 50-50. Keep this in mind.

atsaloli 9y ago

I have a mentor. We met through a talk he gave at my church. He's got a lot of altitude with me. Sometimes when I'm not sure I will talk to him and it helps me to pick the course of action and to be sure about it. He also pushes me and ask me questions that help me to confront areas of my life that I would normally shy away from. We make a good team and I'm happy I found him. I help others to pay it back. He is older than me. In fact, he recently retired. This adds to the altitude. Plus he is extremely knowledgeable and capable and an amazing public speaker. And really fun too! One of the things I've learned from him it's how to enjoy life more. Very valuable!

desaiguddu 9y ago

I had the same conversation with my co-founder. We require a mentor who can help us maintain discipline & growth.

tiuPapa 9y ago

Having a mentor seems like a nice idea. It would be awesome to discuss things I am learning with someone more knowledgeable, but to be honest, hiring a mentor seems like a bit too luxurious if you are on a tight budget.