“The proven way to add value.
Do extremely difficult work.
That seems obvious, right? If you do something that’s valued but scarce because it’s difficult, you’re more likely to be in demand and to be compensated fairly for what you do.
The implication is stunning, though: When designing a project or developing a skill, seek out the most difficult parts to master and contribute. If it’s easy, it’s not for you.”
Seth Godin on his blog.
In complex fields like OSS solutions, many people are happy to take on the small, easy activities. There are always lots of those sorts of tasks that need to be done.
But if you really want to add value, to your organisation and your own career, seek out the tasks that nobody else wants to do and / or is able to do. It’s the ability and willingness to do the big, difficult tasks that differentiate you from everyone else because you’ve pushed your knowledge / skills into the unknown, outside the comfort zone.