Every time a young student tells me their job is too basic, lacks technical depth, or offers no room for growth, I have to fight the urge to push back hard.
Yes, it’s true — there are plenty of jobs in this world with low growth potential and minimal technical complexity. But for someone who has just entered the workforce, the vast majority of jobs out there can still teach you a tremendous amount.
If you’re working a job and feel like you’re gaining absolutely nothing from it, I can say with near certainty: the problem lies with you.
Do ideal, dream jobs exist in this world? I’d say yes — though rare, the kind of job people fantasize about absolutely does exist. But here’s the real question: why should that coveted position land in your lap?
“My job isn’t ideal” and “I can still learn from it” are not mutually exclusive.
Every time a young student asks me what to do when their job falls short, my advice is the same: first, do what’s in front of you well. If you’ve been delivering 60 out of 100, can you push yourself to 80 or 90? Reach a true 100, and you won’t have any trouble finding your next opportunity.
Some people fire back: “You’re wrong! I’m already performing at 100 — and I still can’t find a better job.”
If you can genuinely master even the most basic work and push it to its limits, I’d be more than happy to have you come interview with me. I never have too many talented people.
As it turned out, some students did take me up on that — and didn’t even make it past the first round.
Seriously, stop complaining about a bad job. It changes nothing. First, produce results. Even small ones. Lay a solid foundation, and then look for the right moment to move on.
Level up gradually, clear the smaller challenges first, and your career will inevitably grow into something better.
But if you show up at the starting village, decide it’s beneath you, then try to take on the final boss and get wiped out — and spend your days complaining about everything in between — you haven’t solved a single problem.