The very bitter pill that I’ve been swallowing for the last month is that nobody gets to start at the top. Nobody gets to walk onto the job and do exactly what they want to do. Yes you, and me, with all our degrees, internships, excellent transcripts, and esteemed references. You too, must prove yourself. Even though you think you shouldn’t have to, even though you’re talented, and even though it seems like nobody else had to. You don’t get to walk into an organization, or team, or industry and immediately assume leadership because you feel qualified. That confidence is good…for you. But no organization would be standing if they trusted in raw confidence without proven results.

Your feelings of entitlement are not your fault. Why wouldn’t we think we could have it all? Every other post we see is about someone who made millions from their first year of business, or the 25 year old CEO. We live in a generation of popcorn success stories so, naturally, we think that is what we deserve. The truth is nobody “deserves” anything, but we can earn it with hard work and consistency.

As much as we want to believe that we’re in a new era, and we can do everything faster, better, and stronger, there is still value in hard work and experience. No matter how many books you read on business, you will not be prepared for the first year in the negative. This, and so many other lessons, will only be learned by doing the work. That is why we must dedicate ourselves to learning before leading.

I used to dread the “years of experience” question on job applications. Isn’t it enough that I’ve passed the test and earned the degree? Well, no. Experience indicates more than competency; it indicates dedication. Many people can be trained in a field, but how many will commit to it? Being capable and being dedicated are two different things. Do you care at all about the work you’re doing, or are more focused on moving up the ladder? Do you care enough about the field to make an impact? If you did, you wouldn’t mind working your way up, knowing that every level adds to your expertise.

So how do we feed our ambition in a world that rewards time over talent?

We find a comfortable bottom.

This doesn’t mean we must be relegated to the lowest possible position. It means we should pick a starting position that is humble yet sustainable. You will be here until you build the credibility to advance, so choose to see this as a time investment. It is a waste of time to begin somewhere that you cannot maintain.

DO NOT pick a job that requires you to solve big problems with little budgets and little resources. It may seem like an opportunity to show off your skills, but this will exhaust your passion.

DO NOT pick a job that requires you to work tirelessly with no method of progress tracking or promise of upward movement. Burn out is sure to come where there is no defined target or end goal.

DO NOT pick a job at a struggling organization who is ready to put you in the driver’s seat. They are not prepared to handle the mistakes you will inevitably make. You need a safe space to learn.

DO pick a role that will challenge you to acquire new skills while sharpening the skills you bring to the table.

DO pick a role with SECURE and compassionate leaders. You need people who are not intimidated by your potential and are caring enough to guide you.

And finally, DO pick a role that is in line with your passions and ultimate goal. Growth is inevitable. You will grow wherever you plant yourself. So plant yourself on your desired path from the beginning.

Although the world is changing around us, and millions of opportunities are arising daily, there is nothing wrong with finding a slow but steady path to success and dedicating yourself to it. There is beauty and value in the climb.

Stay in it.