Jobs Quote by Nikki Giovanni
“If I can't do what I want to do, then my job is to not do what I want to do. It's not the same thing, but it's the best thing I can do.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with Nikki Giovanni, 2015
When personal desire conflicts with job duties, the best compromise is to avoid acting on those desires while still fulfilling responsibilities.
In simple terms: Avoid acting on personal wishes at work.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits, focus on duty.
Themes
responsibility
compromise
personal desire
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- career decisions
- personal projects
Key Concepts
ethics
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal goals with job expectations?
- What are healthy ways to channel unmet desires?
A Different Perspective
May lead to resentment if desires are suppressed too long.
![“I just think she was a wonderful woman. What I think of when I think of Nina [Simone] is someone that I could relate to, who didn't want anything from me, that could relate to me because I didn't want anything from her. It was nice.” quote by Nikki Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4d5/nikki-giovanni-1757_holiday_i-just-think-she-was-a-wonderful-woman-w_31454.jpg)
![“[To become a poet] The most important thing is to pay attention. The next would probably be to read; it's so important to pay attention. It keeps you from being bored, and I might add it keeps you from being boorish.” quote by Nikki Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/27b/nikki-giovanni-1757_add_to-become-a-poet-the-most-important-thin_189198.jpg)
