Experienced Career Transition Coach and Strategist ▫️ Certified Progress Coach ▫️ Certified Supervisor ▫️ Author of Managing Mid-Career Transition ▫️ Author of Career Transition Coaching ▫️ TopVoice 2024.
CAREER SUCCESS REVISITED A career can be successful in many ways, not only financially. The corporate career meant climbing the ladder and gaining new responsibilities and rewards (such as money, prestige, or power). The higher you climbed, the more successful you were. The landscape has changed, and careers have become more versatile; we talk about Protean or kaleidoscopic careers, lateral moves, and more. But are we still stuck in the traditional definition of career success? Let's consider a few examples. Career success as (examples in parenthesis) 1️⃣ Sustained career performance and satisfaction (academic advisor, special education teacher) Taking control of work-life balance (or domain harmony) enhances long-term career sustainability and productivity. It also ensures long-term health and well-being, allowing for sustained career performance and satisfaction over time, unlike the short-term gains of higher ranks or money. 2️⃣ Socio-economic advancement (university professor) Starting from a disadvantaged background and overcoming significant barriers ( e.g., social strata, gender, race, etc.) provides a profound sense of achievement, demonstrates resilience, and validates one's efforts. Serving as a role model and mentor to others facing similar challenges. Career satisfaction is measured by the length of the journey, not the peak conquered. 3️⃣ Unique personal and professional growth opportunities (digital nomad, psychotherapist) Choosing a fragmented career may equip one with a unique and particular set of skills and the ability to thrive in diverse environments. On the other hand, specific stable careers may also lead to deep understanding and personal growth. 4️⃣ Relationships and connections across the fields (PR specialist) Becoming a nexus person of various networks often opens access to cutting-edge information and creates influential power. One can be a sought-after mediator or a connector helping different parties find each other. 5️⃣ Advocating for a social cause (nonprofit executive director) The satisfaction comes from a deep sense of purpose, knowing one is making a difference. It builds a positive legacy and aligns personal values with professional actions, leading to a fulfilling and impactful career. A simple question: how do you measure your career success? #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions #careers #careersuccess
Interesting thoughts, Risto. But how do you balance passion and financial stability?
Sn Medical Affairs Scientist /Medical Doctor/ Coach (ICC)
2moDear Coach Risto. Thank you for sharing these interesting reflections and a thought-provoking question :). I think " success" and " career success" are very subjective and we all have our personal definitions of "success" and hence " career success". I measure my career success by 1) feeling the joy and bringing my energy to my work. If I am able to do that then I consider this my career success 2) Impacting the lives of many patients every day is another way of measuring my career success 3) Being able to share my knowledge towards the company legacy is also a way for me to measure my success (a tiny drop in the big ocean) 4) My colleagues reaching out to me for advice ( being the thought leader) is also how I measure my career success. On the more personal side, being able to deliver all your professional tasks with the "full-time mom" cap is also " career success" to me.