5 ways to define what is a great success
Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash
There’s no clear definition of career success because it varies for different people. So it’s not uncommon for one to wonder if they are even successful. Also, “What’s success for you?” is the question you can hear from a hiring manager as an applicant. So it’s better to have an answer ready.
If you feel like something’s missing in your career, chances are, your current level of success doesn’t match your ambition. To pass the tracking process, feel free to contact resume and cover letter writing services and get expert help. But first, analyze your career expectations and decide what career success looks like for you.
#1 Based on how fulfilling your career is
The number one way to determine if your career is successful is to answer the question of whether or not it makes you happy. Do you wake up every morning (or almost every morning) eager to start work and keep doing what makes you feel good? Do you feel like what you do matters? Would you keep doing what you do even if you didn’t have to work for a living?
If your answer is “yes” to all or at least most of these, chances are, you are one of the lucky few with a successful career. You don’t need to get professional help from a career advice expert and resume writing business. Treasure this. While tons of people make decent money, much fewer of them actually find their job fulfilling. So you can confidently say you’re successful.
#2 Based on how much control you have over decision-making
Leadership is not for everyone. Ask any recruiter or hiring manager—and they’ll tell you that most job seekers are afraid of positions with too many managerial responsibilities. A lot of people try to avoid extra responsibility, not to mention actually leading others. Sure, there are also those who enjoy being leaders, but they’re the minority.
How much control you have over decision-making isn’t about leadership. You can be a tiny business owner without a single employee besides yourself and still be in complete control of how you work. Or you can be the head of an entire department at a multinational corporation with little to no control over work processes. Leadership and having control aren’t the same.
According to recruiters and published career resources, to feel fulfilled in their career, one needs to feel like they have a say in what they do day after day. If your boss trusts your professional qualification and work experience, you can have much control even as an entry-level laborer.
In contrast, if you make all the money in the world but feel suffocated by your company’s corporate culture and can’t do anything to change it, your career isn’t a great success, even if your friends and family say otherwise when they find out the number on your bank account.
#3 Based on how much money you make
This one’s the easiest. Ask yourself whether or not you’re satisfied with how much money you make. Is it enough to ensure that you and your loved ones live comfortably (if you are the main breadwinner)? How much higher would you like this number to be? If you don’t feel like you’re earning enough, ask a friend, “where can I search for edit my resume to pass the tracking process?” and consider a new job. Or simply ask your supervisor for a raise.
Keep in mind, though, that almost no one admits feeling like they have enough money. No matter how much one makes, they are still likely to say they want more. Don’t get caught up in this race. If you’re comfortable but can’t afford certain luxuries, perhaps, you don’t really need them. Find the right balance.
#4 Based on your work-life balance
Your work-life balance is the reason why you shouldn’t be prioritizing money when considering your career decisions (as long as you’re already well-off). Work matters, but it isn’t everything. The idea of working to live and not the other way around is old, but it’s still relevant. You need time for the following:
- your family and friends,
- staying active and healthy,
- hobbies,
- travel,
- new experiences, and whatever else makes you happy.
If you feel like everything you do is work, perhaps, it’s time to assess your key skills, craft a winning resume, and start the job search. You might contact recruiting firms or employers on LinkedIn to find an online job if you realize you need to spend more time with your family. Or you can simply look for a job with shorter working hours. Otherwise, burnout is inevitable.
#5 Based on where you see yourself in 5 years
Finally, look at where you are in your career and ask yourself if you’re satisfied doing pretty much the same (except maybe with more money involved) five years from now. Everyone should be at least somewhat excited about their career prospects.
If you aren’t, it might be time to invest in your career change. Think of what you are doing now versus what you’d like to do. Consider your options. If in doubt, ask a recruiter you know about the up-and-coming industries and research what prospects you have in them. Apply for a career coaching seminar. And don’t be afraid of major career changes, no matter how old or successful you are.
In conclusion
Overall, if you’re questioning whether or not you have a successful career, set your criteria first. If your goal is to have more money, judge your accomplishments based on your wages. If you prioritize your work-life balance, assess your schedule. But to be considered a successful professional, you need to feel fulfilled and have at least some control over your work.
Author bio
Gloria Lunsford
Content Writer at ResumeService24 with more than five years of experience in the resume writing service industry. Her primary specialization is English and Marketing, but she writes on a great number of other topics.
