There's Always A Market For The Best

Earners,

Tim Ferriss said something last year that has stuck with me: “There’s always a market for the best.” It sounds simple, but it’s a mindset that can change how you approach your career, your business, and every offer that comes your way. Too often, we sell ourselves short—whether it’s because of fear, impatience, or feeling like we don’t have any other options. But here’s the truth: if you’re great at what you do, there will always be demand for your skills. The key is knowing when to hold out and when to act.

The Real Cost of Settling for Less

Let’s talk numbers. You get an offer that’s 10% lower than you wanted. You think, “It’s not that bad, I’ll make it work.” But over time, that decision starts to cost you—massively.

People who change jobs every 3-4 years typically see salary increases of 15-20% each time. Compare that to the standard 3-4% raise you might get by staying in the same job. If you take the lower offer and stick around, you’re not just losing money—you’re losing the chance to keep your salary on a growth trajectory.

Let’s break it down. Say you start at $70,000:

• If you stay put with 3% raises, you’ll be making about $94,000 after 10 years.

• If you switch jobs every 3-4 years and negotiate 15% bumps each time, you could be earning $122,000 or more in the same period.

That’s an extra $28,000 per year. Over a decade, that’s a huge difference in your income. And it’s not just about the money—it’s about the opportunities for growth, networking, and career advancement that come with those moves.

Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset

So, why do we settle? Scarcity. We’re afraid that if we pass on an offer, there won’t be another one. Or we think we might be overestimating our value. It’s that little voice saying, “What if I don’t get another shot?”

But here’s the thing: There’s always a market for the best. When you’re truly great at what you do, companies will notice. Clients will find you. Opportunities will come. The challenge is to resist the temptation to settle too soon. As Gary Vaynerchuk puts it: “The person who holds their breath the longest wins.” In other words, if you can wait for the right opportunity and keep delivering value, the rewards will be much greater.

When to Hold Out and When to Take Action

This doesn’t mean rejecting every offer that comes your way. You have to be smart about it. Here are a few practical tips for knowing when to hold out and when to move:

1. Evaluate Your Current Situation: Are you in a position where you can afford to wait? If you have financial obligations, it might be necessary to take a less-than-perfect offer for now, but keep looking for better opportunities in the background.

2. Know Your Market Value: Use tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, or talk to recruiters to understand what people with your skills are making. If the offer is way below market, it’s worth negotiating or holding out for something better.

3. Consider the Long-Term: Sometimes, short-term gains aren’t worth it. Will this new role, project, or partnership give you skills, exposure, or connections that will be valuable down the road? If not, it’s probably not worth settling for.

4. Trust Your Gut: If you’re hesitant about an offer, it’s probably for a reason. Trust yourself and your ability to make the right decision for the long haul.

Be Realistic, But Don’t Undersell Yourself

Sometimes it’s the right move to accept a deal, even if it’s not perfect, especially if you’re still working toward being one of the best in your field. But once you know you’re delivering top-tier work, you need to recognize your value and act like it.

There are plenty of people who think they’re the best, but they haven’t put in the work. Don’t be that person. Be real about where you stand. If you know you’re among the best, the opportunities will come—but only if you hold out for them.

If you know you’re great at what you do, you don’t have to settle for mediocre offers. There will always be another opportunity around the corner if you keep delivering value and staying at the top of your game. The hardest part is often just having the patience to wait for it. But in the long run, it’s worth it—because there’s always a market for the best.

Earn more,

Nate