For years, the corporate ladder has been used to describe the climb of an individual’s career. You move from independent worker to supervisor of a small team, to managing larger teams, and finally reaching the “top” of your organization or your area of expertise.
This concept of competition and climbing starts early. Many strive for good grades to get into a good college, and hopefully, that leads to a good job. This sets the foundation to climb the corporate ladder.
Along the climb, there are hopes and dreams for “more”. The more can include money, recognition, power, and responsibility. However, the real dream is that these things will make us happy.
As time goes on, some become overworked, stressed, and wondering what they are chasing.
When will “happiness” arrive?
Then, new dreams creep in that don’t align with the original dreams.
The “more” shifts. Now, we begin to seek more time and fulfilment, with less work and responsibility. Yet at the core, we are still chasing happiness.
So, why is it so hard to get there?
Why do we struggle to find the right balance of responsibility, pay, and autonomy for a life that would bring us joy? Deep down, we likely know what a comfortable, happy life would look like. So, what is holding us back from getting there?
In my opinion, a big hurdle is the fear of being judged by others.
My Perspective – Joy Over Judgement
We often spend more time considering what others (parents, co-workers, industry) will think of the decisions we make. This can be especially true when it comes to our career choices.
In trying to please others or create the “right” image, we make decisions that don’t bring us joy.
We climb the ladder because we should not because we want to.
We fear we are settling, or would be judged as settling, if we don’t continue to move up.
We fear the judgement that could occur if we decide we want to climb down the ladder a rung or two.
We fear what others would say if we jumped off the ladder to do something completely different.
I wonder what would happen if we started to think more about what brings us joy than worrying about what others will think of our choices?
Is one choice “better” than another? I don’t think so.
My advice: Stop thinking about others, dive deep, and discover what rung on the career ladder will bring you joy.
Your Turn
Where are you on the ladder?
Does this level bring you happiness and joy?
If not, what would you adjust to move you in your desired direction?