Is being an "opportunist" a good or bad thing?

[PaperEnterprise]

All throughout my professional career I have heard people say, that guy is a scumbag because he is an opportunist and doesn't follow his plan to success. I use to think this way as well and out grew this mind state.

I don't think there is anything wrong with looking for and using opportunities to gain an advantage for oneself.

As I googled to see what exactly is an opportunist and what others think of them, I came across the following bit of information:

Description of an opportunist
An opportunist:– Sees all current opportunities as an opportunity of a lifetime – and is tempted to take them all – they seize the moment
– Is open to everything – there’s no room for stubborn thinking or narrow minds
– Is optimistic with built-in affirmations: “good things will happen to me”, “I can overcome obstacles”, “life and people are generally good”, “I am capable of achieving my values and goals”
– Is decisive and proactive
– Is motivated by new opportunities and are often lost when an opportunity is fulfilled
– Sets goals, knows what they want, is visionary, informed and positive
– Acknowledges that outcomes may not be the result of hard work and is humble enough to know external factors may influence their outcomes
– Is flexible and adaptable to change, they view the world differently to others
– Takes action and solves problems quickly
– Has a heightened sense of awareness for themselves and the environment around them.

Are you an opportunist? Do you think it's wrong to be an opportunist?

Thanks

 

[Reginald Noble]

It doesn't have to be in a negative context.

A lot of times people get promotions in my field simply because they step up and take more responsibility when someone leaves.

 

[At30wecashout]

It isnt inherently a bad thing unless you spend most of your time burying the competition rather than outshining them with work ethic. Looking good and making yourself available when opportunities come up is always a good thing.

 

[PaperEnterprise]

It doesn't have to be in a negative context.

A lot of times people get promotions in my field simply because they step up and take more responsibility when someone leaves.

Yes very true. I was mentored by idiots in my last career...they would always say don't take on extra responsibility because they won't pay you or don't be an ass kisser and as a youngin' I held onto those idiotic teachings by my senior management. Now I do what I love and if I want to grow professionally, I'll do what will help me advance both within an organization and financially.

 

[MJ Truth]

How is the question "Is being an opportunist a good or bad thing?" and the first two answer options are "Yes" or "No"?

 

[QuavoFlow]

depends on the context you're using it in

 

[PaperEnterprise]

How is the question "Is being an opportunist a good or bad thing?" and the first two answer options are "Yes" or "No"?

lol. i just caught that as well. i'll fix it now

 

[Reginald Noble]

Yes very true. I was mentored by idiots in my last career...they would always say don't take on extra responsibility because they won't pay you or don't be an ass kisser and as a youngin' I held onto those idiotic teachings by my senior management. Now I do what I love and if I want to grow professionally, I'll do what will help me advance both within an organization and financially.

The key is to get into an industry with a specialized skill set that will be around for a while. One that preferably has more demand than supply. They will be forced to compensate you adequately or you may have to leave to get recognized for your increased ability.

I've had 4 jobs in the past 4 years and because there is clear progression in my responsibility and the profile of my client portfolio I am considered an individual with high growth potential in my field. Recruiters do not stop e-mailing me I get at least 5 connection requests per week on LinkedIN. I'll probably be at 1000 connections by the end of next year I think I'm at 750 now. At least 200 or more are just recruiters. Make calculated moves and don't burn bridges and your money stack will increase.

 

[Jhoon]

If you're against opportunities then you have deep seeded psychological issues.

 

[FSP]

It's a good skill to have

But to me its a negative personality trait.

 

[FSP]

The key is to get into an industry with a specialized skill set that will be around for a while. One that preferably has more demand than supply. They will be forced to compensate you adequately or you may have to leave to get recognized for your increased ability.

I've had 4 jobs in the past 4 years and because there is clear progression in my responsibility and the profile of my client portfolio I am considered an individual with high growth potential in my field. Recruiters do not stop e-mailing me I get at least 5 connection requests per week on LinkedIN. I'll probably be at 1000 connections by the end of next year I think I'm at 750 now. At least 200 or more are just recruiters. Make calculated moves and don't burn bridges and your money stack will increase.

What do you do?

 

[PaperEnterprise]

If you're against opportunities then you have deep seeded psychological issues.

No one is against opportunities...there are people who don't see opportunities because they don't have goals or view themselves as successful human beings...

In my case, I am a loyal person and that hindered my success in my last career and music aspirations. It can happen, whether you choose to believe it or not.

 

[Pyrexcup]

i need to get on french montanas level

 

[Reginald Noble]

What do you do?

I can't get too specific but I work in digital ad technology, my role involves the intersection between marketing and web development and bridging the gap (and there is still a huge gap). Basically I am in charge of making sure performance media is accountable and not just wasting advertising spend.

 

[PaperEnterprise]

What do you do?

An opportunist isn't afraid to ask the question you just asked.