THRIVE: What is Career Success?
People work hard. We want to help. We give our time and attention. We get out of the pajamas and check work emails. Having a job or career is wonderful. Earning a living is super. Is there more to this? What makes work fulfilling? There’s a cool way to look at this.
I have worked in highly structured jobs, where I got ready, commuted, had meetings, saw students, held events, collaborated with colleagues, then reverse the routine – commute, make dinner, and back to bed. Most of my awake time had been consigned to my employer. Willingly, of course.
I have also had my own practice, where I was in slippers and pajamas all day, everyday (no weekend off, though I gave myself one day, kind of), writing and relating on social media, developing materials, learning new crafts. I stayed up because I was finishing a project. I went jogging whenever I could. I loved the flexibility, though the financial fluctuations took some getting used to. And as an extrovert, I missed my peeps in the office.
Everyone defines ‘success’ differently. Our criteria for career success can shift because of life stages, health, family, and other needs. Reflecting on the worklife, I came up with my T.H.R.I.V.E. framework:
- Tao: the way things work, synchronicity, the flow, what one career theorist calls ‘planned happenstance‘
- Harmony: work-life balance, giving and receiving, our inner and outer worlds, using strength to advocate for weakness
- Renewal: revival and restoration of the mind-body-spirit; sense of safety
- Initiative: actions to self-advocate, create, and express
- Vision: purpose, mindset, beliefs, life design
- Evolve: up-skill, leadership, giving back, legacy, community, network
You may have more on what career success means to you. The important thing is to be conscious of your intentions, reflect, and act in a meaningful and powerful way.
Which letter in T.H.R.I.V.E. calls to you? What areas would you like to work on? What changes do you need to make?
