‘Don’t confuse Having a Career with Having a Life’ Meaning
When you think about having a successful career, you may envision material wealth, recognition and the other tangible rewards that often come with professional success. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of success and start to measure yourself by career achievements.
But it’s important to recognize that having a career is only one part of having a full, meaningful life. It’s necessary to remember that things like relationships, hobbies and overall happiness are just as important.
Here are three not-so-obvious reasons to remember the distinction between having a career and having a life:
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- It’ll Help You Live in the Present – Making the most of the moment is about taking the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Focus on today and don’t constantly worry about what you hope to achieve in the future.
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- You’ll Take Less Risks – When you take the time to focus on the importance of having a life, you’re less likely to take extreme career risks that could backfire. Being smart about risk-taking is part of enjoying a fulfilling career and life.
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- You’ll Become More Self-Aware – Taking an honest look at your life can help you decide what you really want to achieve. That knowledge will be pivotal in helping you stay focused and motivated to pursue the right career objectives.
In the end, it’s important to remember that life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing pursuit. Whether you’re a college student deciding on a future career or an experienced professional considering a career change, don’t let all-consuming career pursuits crowd out your life goals. A career can only be meaningful within the context of a larger life plan.
