I'm curious, how does everyone here define career success?

Anonymous

November 19,2021 at 7:02PM UTC

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I'm curious, how does everyone here define career success?

I've noticed as I've grown older, that my definition has changed, but that also leaves me a bit lost when it comes to making choices that are aligned with these new values.

Right now, I define success as having a work-life balance. I want to be able to have my career, but to keep work at work. I want ample time for being healthy and for my hobbies!

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RosemaryacNovember 19,2021 at 9:54PM UTC
One part of career success for me is continuing to grow and improve the skills that are most important to the kind of job I do, in my case writing grant proposals, policy reviews, and research updates. I like to write--I find it creative, challenging, and an activity during which I experience 'flow' (Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced 'chick-sen-me-hi')). Working towards and accomplishing this goal makes my work rewarding.
AnonymousNovember 19,2021 at 10:30PM UTC
Freedom to grow. Opportunities, great pay for my work, flexibility in both where I work and how long I work.
AnonymousNovember 20,2021 at 1:39PM UTC
I define it as being to pursue something that challenges me and develops me, while providing financial security. I don't mind having less work-life balance as long as my work is helping me grow / evolve.
AnonymousNovember 20,2021 at 1:54PM UTC
I’ve recently been redefining career success myself. Previously, it meant wanting promotions every couple years and the perceived “coolness” of the company/job title I had. Now in my 30s, I care about having lots of time and energy to start a family and enjoy my life outside of work. It was exhausting making work try to fit every need for me and validate me. There is so much more to life!
Christy K. HanthornNovember 23,2021 at 1:34PM UTC
In short, success (to me) is making enough money to have what I want, do what I want, and accomplish all of the above without going crazy. I'm a bit of a workaholic, so it's sometimes hard to find balance.
M Elizabeth IngramNovember 23,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
For me, it's working for a company whose values align with mine (including family first), flexibility to care for my family, the ability to make a difference, being respect, and the funds to care for my family.
Kirsten SchmittNovember 23,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
I agree with your post completely. After slaving for corporations for three decades, I now prioritize flexibility in my work schedule, family, mental and physical health, and ample time for creativity and volunteering. Life is short—make the best of it and do what makes you happy.
Karen GongawareNovember 23,2021 at 2:26PM UTC
Career success is where I am happy to go to my job and look forward to it. I have more good days than bad at work and am appreciated/valued/respected there. I don't HAVE to take continuing education or training, I choose to. That's success to me.
Cynthia Armistead NewmanNovember 23,2021 at 2:42PM UTC
Work-life balance, enough money to live comfortably, work I enjoy, and opportunities to learn and grow.
AnonymousNovember 23,2021 at 3:09PM UTC
I want to do meaningful work with an organization whose mission resonates with me. (I have spent my entire career in nonprofit organizations.) That's the primary lens. Enough money to feel secure and flexibility/balance are close seconds.
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)November 23,2021 at 3:23PM UTC
As you can see, everyone has a slightly different idea about career success. Having said that, the feelings you are experiencing are very common after the last 20 months of pandemic-related craziness. Almost everyone has had time to reflect on what truly matters, and that's why we're seeing The Great Resignation/Great Reshuffle. Do what makes you happy and healthy while enabling you to enjoy life and pay your bills. All the best to you, and make every day count! ?
AnonymousNovember 23,2021 at 5:03PM UTC
My definition of success is to have a job I enjoy and look forward to working. I want a good balance between my work and my personal life. Feeling valued at work and knowing what I do matters. I need to make good money to enjoy the things in life without big worries. It's important to me to be in a good culture that's collaborative and supportive.
Joanna PoeNovember 23,2021 at 7:03PM UTC
I just turned 40 and have been through several career shifts due to buyouts and the pandemic. My focus now is on working to live rather than living to work, and as such, I don't necessarily feel the need to have a "career," but am happy with a nice "job." Success, for me, is making a worthwhile contribution wherever I am and leaving it behind me at the end of the workday, more or less (there will always be some bleed-through, work into life, and life into work, that's just being human).
Do I care where it takes me? Not really, as long as it's reasonably stimulating and with a focus I can feel good about. I shifted from software to academic support, and I'm not sure how long it will last, but I like it. Additionally, the retirement savings options are superior in academia and academia-adjacent positions, and I'm looking to retire early, as I'm married to a man 18 years my senior.
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.November 25,2021 at 3:43PM UTC
I used to see career success as moving up, getting pay increases, and being able to have more stuff/do more things.
Now I see it as being aligned with my values, paid what I am worth, being able to live abundantly and be generous, and feel like my work does not have to define me completely.