Between dead end and high end..... (consulting, applying, average, middle class)

[BarcelonaFan]

I know this economy doesn't offer the luxury of choice but there has to be a better working environment for people of above average intelligence without applying to a high end place. I've been stuck at dead end menial jobs where I was clearly under qualified for but expecting that I could easily climb up. Boy was I wrong as bosses personally admitted to me that I was a really good worker but that I was too "confident" and had the potential to become "comfortable". I was floored and co-workers would mistake any confidence in one's abilities or any showing of above average intelligence as being a "braggart". How knowing the capitol of Denmark and how to cook a duck is "refined" Frasier-like behavior is beyond me? How relating that you went skiing one time with a friend (saved money for it) is a high life is beyond me?

Next are the high end positions I applied for in college and did internships in. From banking which I found to be totally uninterested in to consulting which was just as boring. Sometimes I think I would’ve ended up jumping out of the tenth story window being a high end professional because of the constant need to always be fake, witty, and pretentious to impress clients, co-workers and the social circle you develop as a result. I do not envy my college friends living that high life in NYC and DC at all. I mean I couldn’t even watch an old Adam Sandler movie which I enjoyed in my child hood without my college roommate telling me “taste matters, change the channel”. Could I have even imagined working around guys like him in a major firm in cities like DC, San Francisco or NYC where they all flock to?
So where do people, and I am sure there are many of you out there, with above average intelligence but lack a pretentious or completely close minded attitude go?
‘This is all in jest I hope you guys know and while I am somewhat serious I just thought I’d throw this thread in with the mix to ask where the wholly middle class college grads go to work?

[caradvice]

you can try jobs for major corporations that are not located at the HQ. i.e. - in manufacturing if you work in a professional capacity at a plant it is a lot less stuffy than working in a professional capacity at the HQ location and youll find individuals who will understand some of your interest better. in my experience the office culture is what matters - city does not matter nor in general the company (of course there are some elitist firms out there) but the location or branch within the company is what determines the culture. just apply to places and see where you feel the best fit is.
good luck

[ElysianEagle]

What's your definition of a 'high-end' job?