Opportunity rarely shows up looking exciting. Usually it looks like extra work on a Thursday.

Chances arrive disguised as inconvenience, largely because they involve doing something nobody else wanted. The interesting project is understaffed, the useful introduction happens at the event you would rather skip, the skill you need gets learned in hours you had not planned to spend. Almost nothing that matters announces itself as important.

When something tedious comes up and nobody is volunteering, check whether it puts you near people or problems you want access to. If it does, take it. Being the one who says yes to the awkward task reliably lands you somewhere interesting.