Ambition Quote by Paul F. Tompkins
“If the idea is you're working at a job solely to pay the bills because you have ambitions to do something else, if you're not actively trying to do that other thing, you've gotta make sure you're doing that. Sometimes you've gotta take away your own safety net. But if you feel miserable in a day job, in any job, get out of that. Look for something else. Stay in that job until you have the other thing set up, and then go to that other thing. But sometimes you've just got to jump out with a parachute and trust that you're going to land someplace safe.”
About This Quote
The quote urges proactive pursuit of personal ambitions, suggesting that staying in an unfulfilling job is tolerable only while building a viable alternative, otherwise one should risk a bold change.
In simple terms: Leave an unsatisfying job to chase your true goals.
Key Takeaway
Balance security with decisive action.
Themes
career fulfillment
risk management
personal growth
ambition
decision making
Mood
determined
hopeful
urgent
Type
advice
motivational
practical
When to use this quote
- stuck in a dead‑end job
- planning a startup
- feeling chronic dissatisfaction
- having a clear alternative plan
Key Concepts
career transition
financial safety net
self‑actualization
Practical Applications
- career coaching
- entrepreneurial mentorship
Questions to Reflect On
- What would happen if you stayed longer than necessary?
- How can you create a safety net before taking the leap?
![“I came from a big family, with not enough attention. It's classic. I wasn't the baby, but was second to last. It's absolutely the same story that most people have in this [film] business, they're the middle children. I've encountered some people, and it's weird to me, that they were the youngest…” quote by Paul F. Tompkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74d/paul-f-tompkins-3121_attention_i-came-from-a-big-family-with-not-enough_226143.jpg)
