We are all individual people. Even things that for a long time have been accepted as being ‘one size fits all’ are starting to change. Such as how scientists are discovering that medication can work better for S than for T, even though S and T have the same diagnosis. If you have ever purchased ‘one size fits all’ socks and are anything like me, you may have ended up with the heel seam being up around your ankle. Anyway, I digress…
The point I am trying to make is that we are each individual people, made up of a complex combination of genetics and every single moment we have experienced. Therefore, careers and ideals regarding career choices and career progress is not simple, and not one size fits all.
In my role as a lecturer, I talk to students a lot about their future career plans and I have also conducted many talks at schools on this topic. Trying to assist people to answer the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?”. In my opinion this question should be flipped to “what type of lifestyle do you seek”. The job title, is not nearly as important as what the job gets you- Money, freedom, intellectual stimulus, stability, flexibility, creative expression, insurance, etc. etc. Social media is full of people saying that, to live life to the fullest we need to quit our 9-5 jobs. But what if we are most suited tp and enjoy our 9-5?
We can all get caught up in the bullshit comparison… those in the 9-5 jobs see people running their own business, or making money from 4 income streams online, or travelling around the countryside. Those running their own business see people in the stability and comfort of a 9-5, of the person being able to “switch off” once they leave the office. The grass may always look greener. So instead of comparing, and idealising one style of career, if you are in the position to, think long and hard about what lifestyle you want, and what type of job can help you achieve that.
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