If You’re Too Good For Your Job, Prove It!
Many people are frustrated with their work and feel they are “too good for their job.” I often surprise them by telling them I believe them! They are probably right. But the next question is…”Why does everyone not see this in your work?” Or to put it another way….”Why are you doing the job you’re in so poorly?”
If you think you’re too good for your job, you probably are, but the way to get out of a job you don’t love is TO GET INTO IT! Do the job so well that the universe will have to move you out of it.
No matter where you are working, or what group you are teaching, you should give it your very best. Whoever is standing in front of you in a rehearsal deserves to benefit from everything you have to offer. If you’re frustrated because you wish you could design and teach a world class group but you’re standing in front of 8 beginners, demonstrate that you HAVE the skills to design and teach at that top level by turning those beginners into amazing performers!
So many times I have seen a group that appears “out of nowhere” and suddenly everyone is talking about them. “Who is this school, I’ve never heard of them! They’re amazing.” A short investigation will reveal an instructor with great talent and passion who is working like crazy to teach those kids everything they can. How wonderful for those students, and how wonderful for that instructor.
It’s not uncommon for these instructors to suddenly find themselves with offers from other schools who are looking for great teaching, usually at a higher level. This first job is a way to demonstrate what you can do, and it is a joy to give those students such a great experience! The universe will automatically pull you upward if you are doing great work. You don’t have to force that, I guarantee it will happen. You will quite naturally find your way to opportunities to move your career and reputation forward.
If you’re designing drill or writing music for a small group, make them look and sound so great that others will notice! You’re going to get your next job because someone asked that director who wrote that show for them. Others will want their group to benefit from the work you’re doing. Your job is to do amazing work, be someone people like to work with, and deliver on time. The world will bring your next clients to you.
Want to teach visual for a top drum corps? Start by making those marchers standing in front of you right now the best marchers in the state!
Want to get out of any job you don’t love? Do it SO WELL that the universe will conspire to move you on to better things. This really is the way this works. Stop grumbling and start being a star! Do great work and the world WILL notice.
Tim Hinton
May 28, 2021
