I do love quoting me some Caddyshack. It isn't often I'm in a situation where at least one quote ("Pick up that blood", "I've got a pond and a pool. Pool'd be good for you", or "You'll get nothing and like it" are all home runs), but I've been using one a LOT lately, and that can be found at the very end of the above referenced clip: "The world needs ditch diggers, too."
Whether I'm considering starting a college fund for my kids, the career-limiting effects of my tweets, or the recent impending rapture, I often find myself coming back to this one. While the quote is about a lot of things (elitism and snobbery are front and center) I find myself applying it to all sorts of situations based on its basic premise that not everyone can do everything quite as well as someone else can and its ok to recognize that and make the most with what you've got. I also don't feel bad about saying that because I have dug ditches and recognize that it is necessary work and that I'm not too good for it.
That said, here is a very short list representative of the very long list of things that I'm not good at.
- Not overcooking chicken.
- Push ups.
- Programming a Universal Remote.
There is, however, at least one thing that I am outstanding at: SAP software. And I'll bet you are too. Not all of it mind you (I'm only good with some of the BusinessObjects stuff), but some of it. And other people aren't, right now, as good at is as you are. While some people think of that gap as job security (you are irreplaceable!), I view it as limiting (you are also unpromotable). My point? Why not share some of that knowledge with others?
All around the world there are formal and grassroots events that aspire to teach people how to do the things you are already good at. Go, share your knowledge. Build the skillsets of the people you will eventually manage. Accept the things you aren't good at (sucking up at a judge on a golf course for a scholarship, as a "for instance") and go be a ditch digging presenter.
There are plenty of opportunities available right now for you to help your community and yourself. Here a few topical ones that I'd like for you to consider.
And don't forget, while there won't be any money, when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness. So you've got that going for you (along with these ten compelling reasons).
Which is nice.
