I hear a lot of complaints that people feel they have no room to grow in their current company. They may love where they work, but if they want to climb the corporate ladder to more responsibility and more money, they feel they need to leave that company, which is why I created last week’s Survey of the Week. The results showed that only 15.2% of respondents felt they could advance for their entire career at their current company.
Since I know that many of you are perfectly happy and see yourself as happy for the rest of your career in your current role, I added that option at the very last minute.
Thirty-eight percent answered the survey saying they had no desire to move their career beyond where it was. And that is okay!
Choosing not to grow professionally is a valid decision that should not be stigmatized. It can be overwhelming, cause burnout, and create dissatisfaction because there will always be another step on the ladder that you haven’t achieved. Instead, prioritizing personal happiness and satisfaction and reducing stress levels should be just as important as pursuing career goals without the pressure to always have more.
We live in a world that is about “more.” The pressure to constantly strive for more, climb the corporate ladder, earn more money, and set ambitious career goals is overwhelming.
Here’s why embracing stability and contentment in your current role is valid and valuable.
The Satisfaction of Mastery
When you have been in the same position for a long time, you develop an unmatched level of expertise and proficiency. Mastery of your role brings a sense of satisfaction and confidence. You become the go-to person for certain tasks, and your deep knowledge and experience are invaluable to your colleagues and the organization. This level of mastery can be incredibly fulfilling and provide a strong sense of purpose without the need for constant upward movement.
Companies need people with this mastery and corporate history to remember what happened years ago.
Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is one of the most significant benefits of not pursuing continuous career advancement. Ambitious career goals often require long hours, additional responsibilities, and increased stress. By choosing to remain in a comfortable position, you can focus on enjoying your personal life, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work. This balance can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life overall.
Ten years ago, Warren left his corporate job to work with me. This allowed him to travel with me occasionally (he likes to come to the “cool” locations). It also allows us far more time together as a couple. We can walk away from the office at the end of the day. If he were still in his corporate job, I know that month-end and year-end means overtime and stress.
He gave up his corporate latter climb to establish a better life for us as a couple. One that included work-life balance.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
The need to always have more can be a significant source of stress and anxiety.
Constantly striving for promotions, higher salaries, and more prestigious titles can affect mental and physical health. By staying in your current role and not continually aiming for the next big thing, you can reduce this stress and enjoy a more peaceful and contented work life. Stability can provide a sense of security and predictability that is comforting and reassuring.
In times of economic downturn, newer employees are nervous they won’t have enough seniority to survive cutbacks. In many cases, by having a long tenure with a company, you can reduce stress and anxiety.
Building Stronger Relationships
The best part of work is usually the coworkers you have. When you aren’t moving from position to position, you can build and nurture deeper relationships with your colleagues. You become a stable and reliable presence within the team, fostering trust and camaraderie. It’s easy to share your knowledge, be a mentor, and help others grow their careers if that is what they want.
Appreciating Your Value
It’s important to recognize and appreciate the value you bring to your company without constantly seeking validation through promotions or new titles. Your consistent performance, reliability, and institutional knowledge are critical assets to your employer.
By loving what you do without needing more, you show you understand your worth and are content with the meaningful contributions you make every day. This self-awareness and acceptance can be empowering and liberating.
Changing the Narrative
The societal narrative often emphasizes growth, ambition, and constant striving. However, it’s essential to challenge this narrative and acknowledge that there are many paths to a fulfilling career. Not everyone needs to be EA to the CEO or a Chief of Staff to feel successful and content. Success can also be measured by job satisfaction, work-life balance, and the positive impact you have on those around you. Redefine what success means to you, and if that means you want to stay in your current role, then do that!
I remember when I had small children at home. My focus wasn’t on climbing the corporate ladder but on my priorities: my small children. Now that I’m a Nana, I want to be available to my kids to care for my grandchildren when they need me. Success at this point in my life is not about the title, money, or responsibility. While I had that, I don’t want more now. I want more time with my kids and grandkids before they grow too quickly.
I am currently choosing a path that aligns with my personal values and priorities, which makes me feel far more successful.
Personal Choice and Happiness
Ultimately, career decisions are deeply personal and should be based on what makes you happy and fulfilled. If you find joy and satisfaction in your current position, that is what truly matters. Your career is a significant part of your life, but it is not the entirety of your existence. By prioritizing your happiness and well-being, you are making an authentic and right choice for you.
Instead, you may choose to invest your extra energy in personal development, hobbies, or relationships instead of your career. If you are into running marathons, that will take an enormous amount of time, or you may prefer to invest your extra energy and time in your children’s sports activities. You shouldn’t have to apologize for not wanting to grow your career if something interests and satisfies you more! Choosing personal happiness is brave and honorable!
It is essential to recognize that fulfillment and success look different for everyone, and your satisfaction matters most. It is perfectly okay not to have goals to grow and become more. Embracing stability, contentment, and the unique value you bring to your role is a valid and valuable choice. By focusing on the aspects of your job that bring you joy and fulfillment, you can lead a balanced, stress-free, and meaningful professional life. Remember, success is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to define it in a way that works for you!
Your journey is valid, and your happiness is worth pursuing.
This article was written by Rhonda Scharf and not by Artificial Intelligence.
