“Oh, I’m too GOOD for that job…..”

“Oh, I’m too GOOD for that job…..”

It’s surprising how often you hear this, or some variation of it.

Not really…

I recently found myself thinking this, when assigned a number of tasks that I felt were better suited to someone with less qualifications.  I’m ashamed to admit that, for a brief period of time, I was resentful.  Than, as I continued to dwell on this, it occurred to me that I was pretty lucky to have a job, even one that I felt was occasionally “beneath” me.

A few weeks ago, the job that I had held for over eight years was eliminated, as part of a corporate reduction-in-force initiative. For the first time in nearly 24 years (I started working at least ten hours per week in 1990, a freshman in high-school at 14 years old), I was unemployed.  Sure, in the lead-up to the termination date, I had applied for some jobs, but no offers were received by then, and I was jobless.

After taking a couple of days to allow the enormity of what just happened to sink in, I started helping a friend on a home renovation.  This is something I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined I would ever be doing.  I’m not exactly Tim “The Toolman” Taylor (If you don’t get that, look up “Home Improvement” online).  I’m also not a fan of getting overly dirty.  Well, after tearing up a floor, cleaning up debris from a crawl-space, and helping install new floor beams, I got over that pretty fast.

Still, I have a Bachelor’s Degree.  I have 16 years experience working with Information Technology.  A simple day-laborer?  Ridiculous!  But, here’s the kicker.  If you are provided with an opportunity to provide for your family in a way that doesn’t violate your ethics, morals, man’s laws, or God’s laws, you take it.  And, while you don’t have to enjoy it, accept it for what it is.  Work…paying work.  Be thankful for the opportunity.  Keep searching for the “right” job, but don’t feel ashamed or resentful for the opportunity you have in front of you.  Work.  Do what the job requires.

I like what Thomas Edison has to say about this:

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

And the Bible:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” – Colossians 3:23 ESV

“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” – Proverbs 14:23 ESV

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 ESV

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” – Proverbs 10:4 ESV

Now, in full disclosure, it didn’t take too much longer to find a job more in line with my qualifications, as well as some other freelance opportunities.  And I found that actually do enjoy (and continue with) the renovation work, when it fits into the various schedules.