Let’s face it, for many of us there’s a pressure, right out of the gate, to land that “good” job, the one with the fancy title and decent pay check. But what happens when you climb that ladder, reach the top, and…well, you just don’t feel successful? Instead your feeling stressed, unhappy and not sure how to change.
That was me a few years ago. I chased the “safe” route – the one my family encouraged, the one society seemed to celebrate. I landed a well-paying job with a large blue chip company with good bonuses and loads of opportunities to travel. But every morning, that alarm clock felt like a personal attack. The work itself? Meh. It didn’t challenge me, it didn’t spark any joy. There were these nagging questions that kept me up at night:
- Was this really it? My purpose in life? Stuck doing something I didn’t even believe in.
- Did my work actually matter? Was I just a tiny cog in a giant machine?
- Was I even good enough? The constant pressure, the never-ending to-do list, it all chipped away at my confidence.
Something had to change.
Here’s the thing: success isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It doesn’t have to come with a corner office or a six-figure salary (although, those things are nice!). Success is about living a life that aligns with your values, a life that sparks joy and purpose.
So, I took a deep breath, quit my job, and embarked on a journey of rediscovery. It wasn’t easy – there were doubts, wakeful nights, and moments of pure panic. But slowly, I started to piece together what success meant for me. Here’s what I learned:
- Listen to your gut: That feeling of disharmony? It’s trying to tell you something.
- Values first: What truly matters to you? Let that be your compass when making decisions.
- Don’t be afraid to pivot: Life isn’t linear. Sometimes, the best path is the one you forge yourself.
- Success is messy: There will be setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
- Find your purpose: What ignites your soul? Pursue that passion, even if it’s scary.
Key takeaways for you:
- Redefine success on your own terms. What makes YOU feel fulfilled?
- Don’t be afraid to make changes. Sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is walk away.
- Your journey is unique. Don’t compare your Chapter 10 to someone else’s Chapter 20.
- Embrace the mess. The detours and roadblocks can lead you to the most incredible destinations.
Remember, you are worthy. Just like Susan You are enough. And your definition of success is waiting to be discovered. Now, go out there and chase it!