Would You Rather Be a Big Fish in a Pond or a Small Fish in an Ocean?

Dearest Gentle reader,

Trust this publication finds you on the right side of the day,

A valid question that sometimes keep me awake all night (besides “Did I actually mute myself during that Zoom call?”), is the choice between being a big fish in a pond or a small fish in an ocean.

This reflects a fundamental career and life decision we all face. It’s sort of a metaphor that captures the essence of two distinct paths: dominating a smaller, more limited environment versus being part of something larger but potentially less distinguished.

Being a big fish in a pond offers nice benefits. In this scenario, you’re the standout performer, the go-to expert, the leading force in your environment. This position often brings immediate recognition, respect, and influence.

You’re the workplace equivalent of Don Jazzy in a small town where the biggest excitement is the annual music festival. You know excel so much that everyone run to you when their formulas break, the lawyer who gets stopped at the junction for “quick legal advice,” or the graphic guy whose work is plastered across every lecture hall(whether the students want it or not).

They’re a pillar of their community, their reputation precedes them, and their impact on local affairs is substantial and visible. Their expertise is rarely questioned, and their authority in their domain is nearly absolute. When they speak in meetings, people nod so hard they risk neck injury.

The psychological benefits are significant: confidence flows naturally from being at the top of your ecosystem. There’s a certain comfort in knowing your position is secure, and your contributions are consistently recognized and valued. As a Don Jazzy, you get to win the industry awards of “Lifetime Achievement Award” as they don’t want to give you the “Best In” award for the 100th time.

Alternatively, being a small fish in an ocean means swimming alongside the giants. In the midst of the big leagues, where your impressive CV that once made your mom proud now reads like a JSS3 to-do list. The environment is rich with opportunities, resources, and potential for growth, but standing out requires exceptional effort. Your google search history will probably be filled with variants of “How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome While Pretending You’re Fine”.

Your “I had a good idea” celebration lasts approximately 3 seconds before someone mentions they did that last year, but even better. Then you keep quiet.

However, you’re exposed to higher standards of excellence, surrounded by people who can mentor and inspire you. The ceiling for growth is virtually unlimited, and the potential rewards — both professional and financial — can be astronomical.

Being in a larger ecosystem often means access to better resources, improved networks, and exposure to trends and developments in your field. You might not be the star, but hey you have the official ID.

The choice between these two paths isn’t always clear-cut. A big fish in a pond might eventually face limitations in growth and innovation. The very comfort that comes with dominance can lead to stagnation. There’s also the risk of becoming overconfident or complacent when you’re consistently the best in your environment.

A small fish in an ocean might feel lost in the crowd. The constant competition and pressure to prove oneself can be exhausting. Not everyone thrives in an environment where they’re not among the top performers.

The real answer to this lies in personal honest assessment, here you’re checking:

1. Your tolerance for competition and pressure
2. Your need for recognition and visibility
3. Your long-term growth aspirations
4. Your preferred pace of professional development
5. Your desired work-life balance

Sometimes, the most rewarding path is neither extreme but somewhere in between being a medium-sized fish in a medium-sized pond, where you can contribute significantly and continue to grow.

The choice isn’t simply about career plans, it’s about understanding yourself and what environment allows you to thrive while maintaining your sense of purpose and accomplishment. The size of the pond matters less if you’re actually enjoying the swim.

The best environment is one that aligns with your values, challenges you appropriately, and provides opportunities for meaningful contribution and growth, regardless of its size or your relative position within it.

Find a pond where you can be yourself, occasionally impress others, sometimes learn something new, and still have enough energy to enjoy your life outside the water.

While you’re busy measuring ponds and comparing fin sizes, I’ll be here, floating along at my own pace, sipping my Fanta on the shore because sometimes the smartest fish is the one who knows when to take a break from swimming altogether.

Stay happy and stay hydrated✌️