How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line
Quote #1
LEVENE: Then how do they come up above that mark? With dreck…? That's nonsense. Explain this to me. 'Cause it's a waste, and it's a stupid waste. (1.1.116-119)
It's not just the bad leads that Levene is dissatisfied with, it's the fact that the low guys get the bad leads, so they never have a chance to move up. He's dissatisfied with the catch-22 situation they have going on in the office.
Quote #2
LEVENE: I'll tell you why I'm out. I'm out, you're giving me toilet paper. (1.1.151)
Once again, Levene cannot handle the fact that there is no one giving him a shot. If he at least had a shot, he might be satisfied with the job… and his life. This is a recurring theme for Levene. What's important to realize is that Levene (like the others) connects his worth to the job. Sure, he probably needs the money, but it's more than that—he sees himself as his job, and if his job is a failure, then he's a failure too.
Quote #3
LEVENE: I can't close these leads, John. No one can. It's a joke. (1.1.191)
You ever do something stupid while playing a video game, and you look at the controller as though the controller is somehow to blame? Maybe Levene has a point about the leads, but maybe he's just blaming the equipment for his own shortcomings. Maybe he just can't admit that he doesn't have the skills to pay the bills anymore.