# When Opportunity Knocks By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-12-12 In the abstract, most people think they are open to opportunities. Even more than that, most people seem to think they want to be afforded opportunities in their life and career. They daydream about how when their opportunity comes, they will seize it with gusto and their future will be filled with happiness. Things unfold differently. When opportunity knocks, it is often disguised as a hassle. The opportunity is unexpected in both time and content. This means it will often arise when one is busy doing something else. Taking advantage of the opportunity will require one to do all that one typically does plus the opportunity. That can be a drag. Additionally, the opportunity is likely work that needs to be done for somebody else. The opportunity isn’t likely to be exactly like one has dreamed. Lastly, it is frequently unclear whether pursuing the opportunity will lead to anything beyond the extra work itself. Opportunities are seldom offered the way that we would like them. Pursuing an opportunity is work. The opportunity won’t be exactly what one desires. There is no guarantee pursuing the opportunity will lead to something better. Nearly everybody talks about pursuing opportunities. It is a socially acceptable way for adults to daydream. When opportunity knocks, most people simply pull the blinds close, turn off the lights, and pretend they aren’t home. #### Related Items [[Opportunity]] [[Career Advancement]] [[Work]]