In the world of work, being career-driven seems to be the norm and the ultimate goal. Discover exactly why you sacrifice your personal happiness in pursuit of financial stability.

As our society becomes increasingly performance-oriented, many of us have adopted a super career driven mindset. We set lofty professional goals and tirelessly strive to achieve them, often at the cost of our physical and mental health.

Although being career driven isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s important to take a step back from our ambitions and reflect on the true motivations behind this pursuit.

What does it mean to be career-driven?

Being career-driven signifies being highly motivated and focused on achieving success in your chosen field. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure that you reach your goals.

It also implies taking an active role in planning ahead for your future by setting professional targets and creating action plans to achieve them.

Read also: 36 Personality Traits To Become Successful People

Is being super career-driven still a good thing?

While it can be argued that focusing too much on one’s career can result in a lack of work-life balance, it is hard to deny that being super career driven is a good thing. Individuals who are passionate about their careers tend to work harder, be more dedicated, and often achieve their goals quicker than those who are not.

Being career-driven can lead to a more fulfilling and prosperous life, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving one’s professional goals can be truly rewarding.

Therefore, for those who are willing to take on the challenge, being career-driven can be a worthwhile pursuit. However, some may argue that being too focused on one’s career can come at a cost, sacrificing other aspects of life such as relationships and personal growth.

Despite this, being career-driven can be a positive thing as it can lead to success, financial stability, and a sense of personal fulfillment. Ultimately, the decision to lead a career-driven life depends on an individual’s values and priorities.

The world of work is going through major changes that affect career growth.

People are being compelled to reassess their professional lives as the traditional model of staying with one employer for a long time, based on loyalty and limited flexibility, is no longer predominant.

Instead, career choices are increasingly influenced by personal preferences.

(Iqbal et al., 2022)

Read also: Am I A Workaholic? Expert Answer & 12 Solutions

Individuals can now take charge of their own careers and chart a path that is tailored to their skills, interests, and goals. The shift toward career self-management has made it possible for people to continually update their skill sets, change employers, or move into new industries.

The need for continual learning and adaptation also means that career growth is now more reliant on self-development than ever before. People need to know how to identify opportunities and develop the skills necessary to seize them. The ability to build a network of contacts, both inside and outside an organization, also plays a major role in career success today.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that developing a successful career does not occur in a vacuum. The world of work is constantly changing, and it’s essential to stay informed of emerging trends and adjust professional goals accordingly. Ultimately, the ability to manage one’s own career path is an important asset for anyone looking to move up in their field or explore new opportunities.

Positive reasons why you are super career driven

There are a number of underlying reasons why we are super career driven. For one, we live in a society that values success and achievement. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be successful in order to be happy and fulfilled.

As a result, we often become fixated on our career goals, pursuing them with single-minded determination. Additionally, many of us have been raised with the belief that our worth is directly tied to our professional accomplishments. We have been taught that our job is an important part -perhaps even the most important part- of our identity, and that we need to strive for success in order to be respected by others.

Plus there’s no denying that many of us have a constant desire and/or obligation to provide for our loved ones. With the cost of living continually on the rise, it can be difficult to make ends meet without a high-paying job.

Unfortunately, this can create immense pressure to succeed, leading us to prioritize our careers above other aspects of our lives.

Let’s break down the positive reasons why you’re so career driven in greater detail.

Read also: 18 Helpful Tips For When You’re Not Happy At Work

1. The ever-increasing cost of living/financial security

In order to keep up with the rising cost of living, many of us feel pressure to earn more money. In fact, financial security is a major concern for many of us.

2. The need to feel secure

Having a stable job can provide a sense of security in a world of uncertainty.

3. The desire to make a difference

For many of us, our career is a way to make a positive impact and ‘leave our mark’ on the world.

4. The need for social status

For some, having a successful career is a way to achieve social status and respect.

5. The need for challenge and excitement

Many of us crave challenge and excitement in our lives, and our career can provide that.

6. The desire to be recognized and respected

We all want to be recognized and respected for our accomplishments, and our career can give us that.

7. The need for personal fulfillment

We all want to feel like our life has purpose and meaning, and our career can provide that.

8. The need for challenge and stimulation

Many of us crave challenge and stimulation in our lives, and our career can provide that.

9. The desire to be our own boss

For many of us, the thought of being in control of our own career is very appealing.

10. The desire to achieve our full potential

We all want to reach our full potential in life, and our career can be a way to do that.

11. The desire to help others

For many of us, our career is a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

12. The need for creative expression

We all have a need for creative expression, and our career can be a way to do that.

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Toxic reasons why you are super career-driven

While a successful career is undoubtedly important, it is crucial to acknowledge the toxic reasons behind our unwavering dedication. We may chase after promotions, status, and monetary gain to impress others or fill a void, all of which can ultimately lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy.

One of the toxic reasons why we are career-driven is the fear of missing out or FOMO. We fear that we will miss out on promotions, salary raises, and better opportunities if we do not prioritize our careers.

This constant need to keep up with the competition drains our energy and affects the quality of our work. We also tend to neglect our personal relationships, leading to loneliness and isolation.

Read also: Burnout From Work: Signs, Causes & Prevention

1. The need to impress others

We may be driven by the need to impress others, rather than by our own personal goals.

2. The fear of not being good enough

Are your professional endeavors driven by the fear of not being successful or talented enough? Placing our entire worth only on our professional achievements can lead to us feeling unfulfilled and inadequate, especially if we fail to meet our goals.

3. The need for approval

We may be driven by the need for approval from others, rather than by our own inner voice.

4. The fear of failure

We may be driven by the fear of failing, rather than by the desire to succeed.

5. The need for perfection

We may be driven by the need for perfection, rather than by the desire to do our best.

6. The need for power

We may be driven by the need for power, rather than by the desire to be of service.

7. The need to win

We may be driven by the need to win, rather than by the desire to learn and grow.

8. The need for approval

We may be driven by the need for approval from others, rather than by our own inner voice.

9. The fear of being bored

For some people, the thought of a boring, mundane job is simply too much to bear.

10. The fear of not being good enough

We may be driven by the fear of not being successful or talented enough.

11. The need to be in control

We may be driven by the need to be in control of our lives, rather than by the desire to live a life of balance.

12. The pressure to succeed

In today’s competitive world, there is pressure to succeed both professionally and financially.

What are the habits of persons who are career driven?

Super career driven persons are proactive in keeping themselves updated with industry trends and changes. They set clear, achievable goals for their career trajectory and work consistently towards achieving them.

They prioritize learning and self-improvement by seeking out opportunities to expand their skill-set and knowledge base. Additionally, they take ownership of their work, hold themselves accountable for their actions and decisions, and always strive to improve their performance. Ultimately, these habits help career-driven individuals stand out in a highly competitive job market and propel them towards achieving their long-term goals.

Under the Protean career model, individuals are responsible for evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, as well as exploring how to best utilize them in different environments.

This could involve taking on new roles or moving between organizations while consistently striving for personal growth. Furthermore, people need to have a clear understanding of their professional goals and how to best realize them.

The Protean career theory is becoming increasingly relevant as organizations and individuals aim to build more agile careers that can withstand an ever-changing work landscape.

Research has shown that a Protean career theory leads to greater job satisfaction, motivation and career success.

(Briscoe et al., 2006)

Final words on underlying reasons why you’re super career driven

Being successful in your career is a process that takes time, commitment, and determination. Though you may find it difficult at times, it is important to take the time to reflect on why you are so career driven and to adjust accordingly if needed.

Taking ownership of what you want in life and pushing yourself to do better will result in real achievements. There is no limit on how successful can become. As such, never give up on your aspirations or dreams for a successful career. If you have any other thoughts on why you might be super career driven, please comment below!

Related topics

Why is the Protean career theory relevant in 2023?

The Protean career theory has become increasingly pertinent in modern times, and will continue to play a significant role in shaping the careers of individuals in 2023. This theory posits that career success is defined by one’s own goals and values, rather than external forces such as societal norms or organizational demands.

With the rise of the gig economy, technological advancements, and shifting societal values, individuals are seeking more autonomy and flexibility in their careers. The Protean career theory aligns with these changing desires and provides a framework for individuals to take control of their careers and adapt to constantly evolving circumstances.

Therefore, this theory will remain relevant in the years to come, as it continues to empower individuals to pursue careers that align with their own personal goals and values.

What is the best advice for someone looking to make a career shift?

Making a career shift can be a daunting task, but it can also be an exciting opportunity for growth and development. The best advice for someone looking to transition into a new career is to start by researching industries that interest them and identifying necessary skills or qualifications.

Networking and reaching out to professionals within the field can also provide valuable insight and potential job opportunities.

Additionally, taking courses, attending conferences, and seeking out mentorship can help individuals gain new skills and knowledge to successfully transition into their desired career.

Most importantly, having a clear understanding of their career goals and being willing to take risks can ultimately lead to a successful and fulfilling career shift. Read more

References

Briscoe, J. P., Hall, D. T., and DeMuth, R. L. F. (2006). Protean and boundaryless careers: an empirical exploration. J. Vocat. Behav. 69, 30–47.

Cech, E. A., & Hiltner, S. (2022). Unsettled Employment, Reshuffled Priorities? Career Prioritization among College-Educated Workers Facing Employment Instability during COVID-19. Socius, 8.

Iqbal MB, Li J, Yang S, Sindhu P. Value-driven career attitude and job performance: An intermediary role of organizational citizenship behavior. Front Psychol. 2022 Oct 25;13:1038832.