I wouldn't wish any specific thing for any specific person - it's none of my business. But the idea that a four-year degree is the only path to worthwhile knowledge is insane. It's insane.
Mike RoweRead
Stop looking for the 'right' career, and start looking for a job. Any job. Forget about what you like. Focus on what's available. Get yourself hired. Show up early. Stay late. Volunteer for the scut work. Become indispensable. You can always quit later, and be no worse off than you are today.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on gaining experience and becoming valuable instead of endlessly searching for the perfect job.
Mike Rowe emphasizes the importance of taking action in your career rather than waiting for the ideal opportunity. He suggests that by accepting any job and demonstrating commitment and reliability, you can become an indispensable asset, which can ultimately lead to better opportunities in the future.
Themes
CareerJobSuccessWorkIndispensableExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to recent graduates about entering the workforce.
More from Mike Rowe
All quotes →Work ethic is important because, unlike intelligence, athleticism, charisma, or any other natural attribute, it's a choice.
Mike RoweRead
Similar quotes
I think the actresses who are really successful are the ones who are comfortable in their own skins and still look human.
Emma WatsonRead
As I've conducted my interviews with crowdsourcing entrepreneurs and experts, it's constantly hit me that your ability to do something big and bold is really a function of the size and quality of your crowd.
Peter DiamandisRead
Paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich.
Henry FordRead
If you have no critics you'll likely have no success.
Malcolm XRead
The Olympics meant everything to me. Going through them is like nothing else you will ever experience. For those few weeks, you are in another world. At that point, I couldn't see how there could ever be anything better.
Sugar Ray LeonardRead
Its not about passion. Passion is something that we tend to overemphasize, that we certainly place too much importance on. Passion ebbs and flows. To me, it's about desire. If you have constant, unwavering desire to be a cook, then u'll be a great cook.
Thomas KellerRead