Courtney Kirschaum
Why it's good to be a "snob"
Years ago, when I was skiing green runs and secretly feared black diamonds, a group of friends I was vacationing with walked to a local restaurant for dinner.
Growing up, my family owned a roller skating rink.
Evenings were occupied with “All Skate” and casting beer drinking teenagers from the parking lot.
We rarely went “out to dinner.” And by "rarely" I mean never.
At the restaurant, a bored 20-something host walked us to “our” table.
Martin, one of the older members of our group, lead the charge to "our" table.
He gave a cursory glance that said, “Oh no, no, no. This will not do.”
Pointing instead to a table in front of a beautiful stone fireplace resplendent with roaring fire and surround by huge windows where you could see baseball-size snow flakes falling.
He didn't speak, merely offered a look that cheerfully acknowledged, "That's the obvious choice now, isn't it?"
And if you're thinking what I was thinking in my youth and inexperience: "but that table's probably taken..."
Pish posh, my naive friend.

We had a huge advantage and the better claim (which you also have).
Meanwhile back at the restaurant of my mis-spent youth...
I'd been plodding along to the table like a dutiful pony heading for my daily bucket of oats, while Martin was trotting ahead, scanning the restaurant for the optimum locations.
Sipping after-dinner drinks by the fire, I thanked Martin for what I would come to recognize as the non-Sheeple approach to life and the comfort and joy of primo clasé locations.
Sometimes it pays to be a “snob.”
The truth?
Martin’s not a snob. He knows you get what you settle for.
That evening, settling would have meant a cramped corner with the soundtrack of the swinging and sucking kitchen door.
Do you want you want someone with less experience and knowledge than you placing you where where they want you?
According to their goals, rather than yours.
That's what most people settle for in their professional careers because they think they have to.
Sheeple or non-sheeple? If you're the latter, then grab my list of actions that put you in control of your career and job hunt.
Bon Appetit,
Courtney