One of the problems is that a significant fraction of today's "leadership" views one's willingly "peeling potatoes" as one's self-identifying as a "loser". They then treat those people accordingly. [I'll include or even call out particularly the "potato peeler's" middle-management, here, who are often effectively his or her leadership.]
"Peeling potatoes" is, effectively, a collaboration. When one side doesn't hold up their end of the bargain, the other eventually learns that "peeling potatos" is a road to nowhere.
It can also be a matter of your socio-economic group. For an ambitious immigrant, "peeling potatoes" is perceived as a fine endeavor. For one coming out of a position assumed to confer entitlement, "peeling potatos" can be perceived as a failing.
TL;DR: Always be aware of the -- and your -- context.
"Peeling potatoes" is, effectively, a collaboration. When one side doesn't hold up their end of the bargain, the other eventually learns that "peeling potatos" is a road to nowhere.
It can also be a matter of your socio-economic group. For an ambitious immigrant, "peeling potatoes" is perceived as a fine endeavor. For one coming out of a position assumed to confer entitlement, "peeling potatos" can be perceived as a failing.
TL;DR: Always be aware of the -- and your -- context.