Self-realization and career are not the same things

A few years ago, I met with a group of interns. First, I asked them who had the most prominent dream. Then, a 24-year-old girl answered: “I want to be a financial director.” She was convinced she was suitable for this job but had not received a concrete offer.

In those years, it was generally accepted that to achieve success. It is important to focus all your attention and ambitions on the chosen goal, be proud of it, setting the highest bar for yourself already in your youth. It was believed that this brings success.

I turned to the girl, approaching the question from the other side: “Do you believe that by becoming a financial director for several years, you will feel happy and fulfilled in life?” This point of view shook her resolve, but she still answered in the affirmative. So I asked, “Do you know precisely what a CFO does on a day-to-day basis? What will be your routine, duties, and responsibilities? As expected, the response was empty. The girl wanted only this position, position, status.

Thousands of young graduates are sure you need to be in big business. I thought accelerated career advancement was the best option. I was fascinated by the magic of a large office and knew nothing about everyday activities.

Let’s go back to the girl. I told her, “Few people feel fulfilled with only status. And most of this minority again feel dissatisfied after a short time. It’s like a pay rise. It’s amazing how a pay raise stops being appreciated after a short time.”

It is dangerous to choose a professional wanting to achieve status, not understand what to do in this job. We show society a beautiful picture. It leads to an almost incomprehensible void: “I’m CFO, but why am I unhappy?” or “If others recognize me as a person who is in my place, why do I not feel fulfilled?”

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