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I'm too clever for my job - and my manager says so
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Given that any degree whatsoever was quite an achievement 40 years ago and that LSE is a top-level institution, I'd say you're OK... I suspect the OP is probably quite a bit younger than you though! :-)
Just to be clear, I'm not trying to start a discussion about the merits or otherwise of certain universities and only made comment because I'd like to understand how someone who claims to be as clever as the OP appears to have gone to a sub-par university. Or perhaps they went to LSE themselves and are just cleverer than all the lecturers...
Don't worry - I wasn't having a go at you - your post was eminently sensible!
I screwed up my A levels in 1976 because I was lazy. I went to a poly to study law and found out that the logical thinking suited me. I got a good degree (most people did not get a 2:1 in those days).
I worked back in the Isle of Man for a couple of years then decided I wanted to do a masters. Somehow I got into the LSE and it was a fantastic experience. You are surrounded by really clever people. (I know I posted earlier that I'd always been too clever for my job, but at LSE I met really clever people.)
I think the question for the OP is what industry are they working in? Are they on a manufacturing line, are they working in a office, are they working for a top law or accountancy firm (sounds unlikely)?0 -
Given that any degree whatsoever was quite an achievement 40 years ago and that LSE is a top-level institution, I'd say you're OK... I suspect the OP is probably quite a bit younger than you though! :-)
Just to be clear, I'm not trying to start a discussion about the merits or otherwise of certain universities and only made comment because I'd like to understand how someone who claims to be as clever as the OP appears to have gone to a sub-par university. Or perhaps they went to LSE themselves and are just cleverer than all the lecturers...
I am reminded of Mike Brearley who captained the English cricket team in the 80s. He was not a great cricketer but was a fantastic man manager. I think he was also a philosophy lecturer at Cambridge(!).
I think he said that one of the great challenges was teaching people who were cleverer than yourself. He was "clever" enough to realise this - but I don't think the OP has the same insight...0 -
Based on the evidence thus far, I'd say that any "intelligence gap" that may exist is likely to be others being stupid, not you being clever.
It's good to muck in - but this example shows a example of good attitude and does not evidence that you are any better than others in terms of actual capability.
I don't doubt that you work hard and want to fulfil your potential, which is admirable. However, the manner in which you're going about trying to progress yourself is highly questionable based on the evidence thus far. Now do you see where I'm coming from?
If you're as clever as you claim, how come you didn't get a place at a better university? This sounds like the sort of thing that would happen at a low-end struggling former polytechnic.
There have been a few, probably 4 or 5 over the years which I'd put in the same category as yourself based on the evidence thus far - but in each and every case, I've thought about what I might be doing wrong in their eyes and in most cases, this has helped. You, on the other hand, seem unable or unwilling (or both) to consider that ANY part of the issue may be yourself, despite your inconsistent work history (and I'm sure we'd all still love to hear why this history exists). In what way are you unhappy in how I've addressed you? All I've done is suggested that you take a look at how you conduct yourself and deal with other people - and I don't think that's bad advice.
He was hoping for advice that didnt involve the possibility he might not be as good as he believes. He took it for granted that others would justify his belief that he is significantly better than others and advising him on how he could improve the way he goes about things was taken as a personal insult. In future its probably best just to play along and just tell them they have the legal right to be promoted or something.Sometimes my advice may not be great, but I'm not perfect and I do try my best. Please take this into account.0 -
He was hoping for advice that didnt involve the possibility he might not be as good as he believes. He took it for granted that others would justify his belief that he is significantly better than others and advising him on how he could improve the way he goes about things was taken as a personal insult. In future its probably best just to play along and just tell them they have the legal right to be promoted or something.
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:0 -
Much as it feels a bit unseemly to join a dog pile, but if the way you handled your personal brand here is anything to go by I'd put some of that intelligence into managing other people.
Otherwise Tyre Lever has it down.Union official.
CiPD qualified.
Anything I post is solely MY OPINION. It never constitutes legal, financial or collective bargaining advice. I may tell you based on information given how I might approach an employment dispute case, but you should always seek advice from your own Union representative. If you don't have one, get one!0 -
Evening OP. I don!!!8217;t know if you!!!8217;re still around, but if you are too intelligent for your current job, why not apply for something like what I do?
Investment banking is a great career if you are academically able; it!!!8217;s varied, you move ahead based on ability, not time served, and managers tend to see the value in having very able staff.
I!!!8217;ve not read which qualifications you have, but as long as you!!!8217;ve a couple of good, strong numerate degrees from one of the top universities (i.e. Oxbridge if you are British) and are prepared to do some studying ahead of interview, it could be for you.0 -
If the OP were as clever as they think themselves to be, they wouldn’t be where they find themselves to be.0
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Evening OP. I don!!!8217;t know if you!!!8217;re still around, but if you are too intelligent for your current job, why not apply for something like what I do?
Investment banking is a great career if you are academically able; it!!!8217;s varied, you move ahead based on ability, not time served, and managers tend to see the value in having very able staff.
I!!!8217;ve not read which qualifications you have, but as long as you!!!8217;ve a couple of good, strong numerate degrees from one of the top universities (i.e. Oxbridge if you are British) and are prepared to do some studying ahead of interview, it could be for you.
As long as you have a couple of good numerate degrees from Oxbridge, eh?
I haven'rt read how good the OP is at football, but if he is incredibly good he could consider going to play for Real Madrid. That's just as useful advice for him.0 -
I!!!8217;ve not read which qualifications you have, but as long as you!!!8217;ve a couple of good, strong numerate degrees from one of the top universities (i.e. Oxbridge if you are British) and are prepared to do some studying ahead of interview, it could be for you.
Did you know that Oxford University has a Faculty of Music which offers a music-related degree to prospective students?
I only mention that because a Music-related degree from Oxbridge may not set you up for a career investment banking.
Maybe you should "read the qualifications you have" before making a post? I mean, I appreciate your helpfulness towards OP but intelligence is not simply measured in terms of numerical ability.0 -
Did you know that Oxford University has a Faculty of Music which offers a music-related degree to prospective students?
I only mention that because a Music-related degree from Oxbridge may not set you up for a career investment banking.
Maybe you should "read the qualifications you have" before making a post? I mean, I appreciate your helpfulness towards OP but intelligence is not simply measured in terms of numerical ability.
I disagree with your view on Oxford Music degrees by the way, we!!!8217;re looking for good people. One of my traders has a degree in art history, and one of our best salespeople has a classics degree. Degrees do (at least) two distinct things,. Yes, they show that you!!!8217;ve reached a certain level of competence and expertise in your subject, but they also show that you are someone who can learn, and make it through a relatively brutal process.
A degree in (nearly) anything from Oxbridge or another top university tells you something special about the candidate.0
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