The Goldberg Gambit

A few years ago, I had a retired guru working for me. He was gruff and quite a few people didn’t like him. I always liked him and got along great with him. We started working at the place on the same day.

For a year or so, we were essentially equals. He worked part-time, I was full. We worked in different departments, but helped each other out as needed.

When I was promoted up to team leader in my area, half of my team was transferred out to other areas. This was not a good time for me. I was not used to struggling.

Bob knew I was struggling and that I had a brief concern with whether I could succeed or not. He gave me a GREAT piece of advice. He said…

Never apply/take a job that you are qualified for. If you do, you will become bored and lose interest. Find the job that is a step or two above where you are now. This will allow to stretch and stay interested, if you are learning new things daily.

Every job that I have had since has been beyond where I was at the time I applied. But I got in, learned, exceeded and succeeded.

Now that I am looking for a job, I have gone against that idea and have been applying to jobs that I am qualified for. On the few occasions that I speak with the people, I am told that I am “overqualified”.

It’s time for me to remember The Goldberg Gambit and find the job I want that is above me… and go for it.

Don.