Mindful ambitions
Most of us link our careers closely with the modern definition of success – the aim is to achieve as much as possible professionally and financially. It was hardwired in me: my academic upbringing, societal expectations and our materialistic culture all taught me a ‘good’ career would serve me well. So, I went out and got it all – a prestigious job in finance, a fancy title and a high salary. But I soon realised that success isn’t just about prosperity – my work lacked meaning and my work-life balance was nonexistent. According to a The top qualities employees desire in their profession are permanent flexibility, work that has purpose, and commitment to health and wellbeing at work. So, I changed careers in search of more harmony and meaning and became a journalist. I enjoyed it immensely; my work had more value and I had a better work-life balance. But, after a few years, I began to see that, really, I was just part of another big business. It was my job to make them money, the pressure was on and it all began to seem a little soulless. I had a familiar feeling wash over me – and it didn’t feel like real success to me.
