Years ago, when I was working at the temp office, I was used to receive people looking for a (new) job every day. The enthusiasm of some applicants was appealing, but sometimes their expectations were in contradiction to reality. Looking for 'big money', or awaiting a 'flash career'. Stories of successful careers are admirable and thus the golden boys are creating their future. Planning their way up.
It doesn't take a management book to understand you have to do it all by yourself. That's where the expression came from: "There is no elevator leading to success. You'll have to walk the stairs yourself."