"It's necessary to be slightly underemployed if you are to do something significant"

This quote by James D. Watson suggests that in order to accomplish something substantial, it is essential to be slightly underemployed. This could mean that in order to achieve something terrific, one must want to sacrifice a few of their present employment opportunities in order to focus on the task at hand. It could likewise mean that one need to be willing to handle a job that is somewhat below their ability level in order to gain the experience and understanding required to attain something considerable.

The quote might also be interpreted as a pointer to remain modest and not end up being too comfy in one's present position. It might be a tip to stay open up to new opportunities and to take threats in order to accomplish something terrific. It might also be a tip to stay focused on the task at hand and to not get distracted by the day-to-day grind of a task.

Overall, this quote by James D. Watson is a suggestion to stay simple, stay focused, and be willing to take threats in order to achieve something substantial. It is a reminder to remain open to brand-new opportunities and to be ready to compromise some of one's current job opportunity in order to focus on the job at hand.