New Stuff Can Be Scary

I'm learning how to be a net controller for a high frequency (HF) radio network. Nets are a fun way to make lots of contacts quickly. Taking part in a net is simple. You check in with the net control and then you can answer calls or make calls (different nets have different rules). It's all fun.

Then, there's being the net controller.

This is the person who has to check everyone into the computer program to track them. So, you're operating the computer and the radio. Plus, on HF, there's this thing called a pile-up where lots of people broadcast over the top of each other. You have to pluck individual voices out of the mix and get their call signs. Also, you have to follow the scripts for checking people in, controlling the net, and more. You also have to do all this while still sticking to the law when it comes to broadcasts. And if you screw any of this up, you could be messing up people's chances at an award.

In short, I'm a little terrified.

However, learning and expanding your knowledge and skill set are vital. And yeah, learning new stuff and taking on new responsibilities can be scary. It's just a part of expanding what you do. It's no different from learning AWS, Azure ML, or some other technology. Sure, using it and learning it can be fun. Then, you have to implement it into production and your business is going to use it. That's scary.

Just because we're scared of the new technology, new methodologies, and expanded capabilities, that's no reason not to embrace them. As with fear in general, it's not a question of whether or not your scared, but how you deal with it.

Grant Fritchey

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