# The Classic Pick-Two Scenario By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-03-27 When providing a service, there is a notorious tradeoff among quality, timeliness, and cost. In this situation, the client is directed to pick two. One can have a high-quality product quickly, but it will come at a cost. One can have a high-quality product cheaply, but getting it will take a long time. One can have a low-cost product quickly, but it will be low-quality. Pick two. A similar situation exists among careers and the qualities of power, prestige, and pay. One can have a career with great power and pay but low prestige. One can have a career of high power and prestige but relatively low income. Or one could have a career of high pay and prestige but meager power. Again, pick two. Like a slot machine, it is relatively easy to have it hit on two 7’s. It’s rarer for it to hit on three 7’s. One can be, and some are, lucky. Pursuing a goal that requires luck to work out is a recipe for frustration and disappointment. One can achieve two goals through a targeted selection of opportunities and hard work. Being able to pick two rationally and coherently requires the ability to prioritize. Achieving the two requires focus and consistency. If one has consistency, focus, and the ability to prioritize, one might get lucky and get all one desires from one’s career. #### Related Items [[Work]] [[Career]] [[Tradeoffs]] [[Quality]] [[Power]] [[Salary]] [[Priorities]] [[Speed]]