--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Nothing comes without trade-offs. Do you…" description: "\"Nothing comes without trade-offs. Do you want to spend time with people who like, or with people who might be useful to you? Do you really want to put ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d2/jeffrey-pfeffer-8575_attention_nothing-comes-without-trade-offs-do-you_895020.jpg" --- # Nothing comes without trade-offs. Do you want to spend… ![“Nothing comes without trade-offs. Do you want to spend time with people who like, or with people who might be useful to you? Do you really want to put in the long hours and constant attention required to be successful in your quest for power? Do you really want to be under the microscope on a…” quote by Jeffrey Pfeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d2/jeffrey-pfeffer-8575_attention_nothing-comes-without-trade-offs-do-you_895020.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d2/jeffrey-pfeffer-8575_attention_nothing-comes-without-trade-offs-do-you_895020.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d2/jeffrey-pfeffer-8575_attention_nothing-comes-without-trade-offs-do-you_895020.jpg) > “Nothing comes without trade-offs. Do you want to spend time with people who like, or with people who might be useful to you? Do you really want to put in the long hours and constant attention required to be successful in your quest for power? Do you really want to be under the microscope on a daily basis, with people commenting on the car you drive, where you live, where you go on vacation, and so forth? There is no way to avoid the price of power. It's up to you to decide if it is worth it, and to change course when it isn't.” [Jeffrey Pfeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-pfeffer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power demands sacrifices and constant scrutiny; one must weigh personal costs against benefits. **In simple terms:** Power costs effort and privacy. Key Takeaway Decide if the benefits outweigh the sacrifices. Themes power trade-offs privacy ambition Mood reflective serious Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - career advancement - political leadership - entrepreneurship - public life Key Concepts social status personal cost public scrutiny Questions to Reflect On - Are you willing to sacrifice privacy for influence? - What limits will you set to protect yourself? 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Do you want to spend time with people who like, or with people who might be useful to you? Do you really want to put in the long hours and constant attention required to be successful in your quest for power? Do you really want to be under the microscope on a daily basis, with people commenting on the car you drive, where you live, where you go on vacation, and so forth? There is no way to avoid the price of power. 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